ABSTRACT
Children’s well-being is inextricably connected to parents’ well-being. Children are best supported and protected if we support their parents and family unit. The needs and rights of children and parents do not have to be conflicting or in competition. Although there are challenges involved in providing a support service which has a dual focus on the rights and needs of children, while also paying attention to the rights and needs of their parents it is possible. It is also well established that participation with parents and with children is a key aspect of effective practice in the provision of support services. Reflecting the breadth of contributors, this book provides a multi-disciplinary perspective on a range of approaches to supporting parents in an involved and inclusive manner using participatory approaches in universally available services and in targeted services charged with providing focussed intensive support and protection. The collection focusses on the challenges in providing parenting support services and in promoting parental participation within those services. In this concluding chapter, we highlight a number of important considerations which have been raised with regard to best practice in both these areas.
