Review of parenting programmes

Research shows that parent support and development programmes, especially as part of overall strategies to address family concerns, can make a positive difference. This review looks at key parenting programmes in New Zealand and their key issues, provides recommendations, and suggests ways forward.

In New Zealand, there is a broad range of support from many sources for parents.

This review describes the key parenting programmes funded by government, and a selection of other programmes, focusing on demographic data, geographical coverage, engagement and retention of families, and the objectives and duration of programmes.

It discusses the benefits of such programmes and the characteristics of successful ones.

It comments on key issues in the provision of these programmes and potential ways forward.

This review highlights the need to develop a parent education programme that is universally available and accessible, and which forms part of a broader social development strategy to support all people in parenting roles.

Programmes reviewed:

• Family Start
• Parents as First Teachers (PAFT)
• HIPPY (Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters)
• Anau Ako Pasifika
• Whānau Toko I Te Ora
• Parenting Programmes in Prison
• Reintegrative support services for offenders and their families/whānau
• Plunket
• Parents Inc (formerly Parenting With Confidence)
• Barnardos
• Presbyterian Support Services
• Parents Centres
• Early Start