ABSTRACT
There remains a significant gap in our understanding of “what works” in terms of the implementation of support programmes in ‘real-world’ settings for vulnerable and at-risk parents with young children. Furthermore, it has been repeatedly noted that parent support programmes/interventions often fail to reach or meet the needs of the most at-risk and vulnerable families. In this chapter, Hickey and McGilloway provide a critical and reflective overview of the key findings and learnings which emerged from two large community-based trials and national evaluations in Ireland conducted over a ten-year+ period. Specifically, these investigated the implementation and effectiveness of two evidence-based parent training/parenting support programmes with a number of vulnerable/at-risk parent populations, including those who are disadvantaged. We explore, in particular, the processes of engaging families and supporting their needs throughout the delivery of these programmes. We also shed light on how innovation in parenting support services can be best realised through meaningful partnership and engagement between researchers, service providers and other key stakeholders, as well as the appropriate, timely and effective translation of findings into practice and policy.
