ABSTRACT
Current high levels of psychosocial problems in children and families are of wide concern because of their association with distress, negative developmental effects, youth crime, adult mental health diffi culties, and the long-term fi nancial costs. However, despite the development and implementation of a range of early interventions aimed at preventing such problems, many such interventions have to date shown limited success. Furthermore, where success has been achieved, research suggests the overriding signifi cance of non-specifi c programme factors, such as the helper-client relationship. This implies that the lack of a clear and explicit conceptual framework of the processes involved in helping families may have played a signifi cant role in hindering developments in this area. This chapter will argue for a ‘model of process’ to underpin all interventions that are directed at parents and families.
