Engaging parents in parenting programs: Lessons from research and practice

Nick Axford, Minna Lehtonen, Dwan Kaoukji, Kate Tobin and Vashti Berry

Children and Youth Services Review, 2012, vol. 34, issue 10, 2061-2071

Abstract: When evidence-based parenting programs are implemented in real-world settings they often fail to produce the results shown in efficacy trials. One reason for this is difficulties in engaging parents. This paper identifies lessons from a review of literature on engaging parents in parenting programs and presents a case study of the implementation of the Incredible Years BASIC program in the context of a randomized controlled trial. It examines the challenges encountered and efforts to overcome them. Key recommendations include: a clear recruitment process; good communication and liaison with stakeholders; incentives for recruitment and retention; active and creative outreach work; investment in building relationships with parents; making programs easily accessible; and having realistic expectations.

Keywords: Parent engagement; Parenting programs; Enrollment; Attendance; Recruitment; Retention (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:34:y:2012:i:10:p:2061-2071

DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2012.06.011

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