Open Policy Debate

Parenting Supports in Ireland

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

The Atrium, Department of Justice Dublin 2

Report

2 May 2018

1

1. Introduction and Policy Context

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs’ (DCYA) vision is for Ireland to be one of the

best small countries in the world in which to grow up and raise a family

• where the rights of all children and young people are respected, protected and fulfilled;

• where their voices are heard;

• where they are supported to realise their maximum potential now and in the future.

In working towards achieving that vision, DCYA has prioritised policies and interventions

which recognise the centrality of the parenting relationship in securing positive social,

emotional and physical outcomes for children and young people.

Parenting support sits within family support, an umbrella term which refers to a broad range

of family-focused services and programmes, with an investment in all families in order to

support parents and improve outcomes for children and young people. Parenting support

may be regarded as intensely related to (but capable of being distinguished from) that wider

concept.

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, define parenting support as ‘a style of work and a set of

activities that provides information, advice and assistance to parents and carers in relation to

the upbringing of their children, in order to maximize their child’s potential.’1

Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young

People was launched by the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and then Minister for Children and Youth

Affairs on 16 April 2014.2 This overarching national policy framework comprehends the age

ranges spanning children and young people (0 – 24 years) and represents a whole of

government framework, comprising 163 commitments.

Through the implementation of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures and its supporting

strategies, one of the Government’s aims was to achieve the transformational goal of

Supporting Parents, indicating that ‘Parents will experience improved support in the

important task of parenting and feel more confident, informed and able.’3

The framework highlights the importance of parents in a child’s life and the benefits of

positive parenting, while promoting better support for parents as a priority. It notes that

support for parents will be delivered through commitments made to increase the provision of

supports to all parents ‘through universal access to good-quality parenting advice and

1 Child and Family Agency. (2013). Investing in families: Supporting Parents to Improve Outcomes for

Children. Dublin: Child and Family Agency, p.1. 2 Department of Children and Youth Affairs (2014). Government launches ‘Better Outcomes Brighter Futures: the

National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014 – 2020.’ Dublin: Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Available at: https://www.dcya.gov.ie/viewdoc.asp?fn=/documents/press/BetterOutcomesBrighterFuturePressRelease.htm. 3 Department of Children and Youth Affairs. (2014). Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy

Framework for children and young people 2014–2020. Dublin: Department of Children and Youth Affairs, xiv.

2

programmes, and access to affordable quality childcare, as well as targeted, evidence-based

supports to those parents with greatest needs.’4

As part of the ongoing implementation of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, a commitment

has been given to develop an Early Years Strategy as an important constituent strategy of

Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures. DCYA, in partnership with other government

departments, is drafting the strategy for infants, young children (0-5) and their families

intended for publication later in 2018. Given the fundamental importance of families in

shaping children's early experience, wellbeing and outcomes, supports and services for

parents and families at various stages of infants’ and young children's development will be a

key theme in the strategy.

The High-level Policy Statement on Parenting and Family Support was published by DCYA

in 2015 mandating a focus on a progressive approach to providing services across a

spectrum that ranges from universal provision to highly targeted and specialised support.

The statement is significant policy in promoting prevention, early intervention and

partnership working. It stresses an approach that is proactive, evidence based, integrated,

and with children, young people and their parents at the centre of all processes, to ensure

that each child and family receives the support that is most suitable to their needs.5 It also

provides a strong policy framework for Tusla to support and develop the effective functioning

of families. Tusla will accomplish this through the development of an area based approach

(Prevention, Partnership & Family Support), including Child and Family Support Networks

and Meitheal early intervention practice model and other supports for parenting.

Tusla has been investing heavily in parenting support as part of the Partnership, Prevention

and Family Support Programme and is currently developing a National Commissioning Plan

for Parenting Support Approaches & Programmes. This plan will guide its future

commissioning of evidence-based Parenting Support Approaches & Programmes and will

form the basis for a National Practice Tool at the Medium Prevention Level within the Tusla

continuum of care. The Commissioning Plan is intended to be used by commissioners and

providers to plan for the future. It will ensure that the range of supports and services

available meet the identified needs within the context of Tusla’s strategic priorities in regards

to commissioning of parenting support approaches and programmes nationally, regionally

and locally.

Subsequent to the release of the High-Level Policy statement, the Programme for

Partnership Government (2016) was published which included a commitment ‘to publish a

National Parenting Support Plan with a range of practical and supportive measures for all

parents.’6 With the availability of the High level Policy Statement, the planned Early Years

Strategy currently in development giving an opportunity to consolidate commitments and

initiatives relevant to parenting support for 0-6 age group and the work being delivered by

Tusla under the Prevention, Partnership and Family Support Programme, the development

of a separate National Parenting Support Plan has not yet been advanced.

4 Department of Children and Youth Affairs. (2014). Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy

Framework for children and young people 2014–2020. Dublin: Department of Children and Youth Affairs, x. 5 Department of Children and Youth Affairs. (2015). High-level Policy Statement on Supporting Parents and

Families (‘Parenting and Family Support’). Dublin: Department of Children and Youth Affairs. 6 Government of Ireland. (2016). Programme for Partnership Government. Dublin: Government of Ireland, p. 77.

3

Throughout Ireland, the community and voluntary sector has traditionally played a very

strong role in delivering a broad range of diverse services aimed at supporting parents in

their roles. At a local level the Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme, funded by the

DCYA and The Atlantic Philanthropies since 2013 and the previous Prevention and Early

Intervention Programme from 2007 to 2013, have been delivering a range of parenting

support programmes that empower parents to support the development of their children.

These programmes and activities operate within a broader context consisting of a wide

range of multidimensional policies, schemes and services relating to employment, health,

education, training and social welfare systems led by other government departments and

agencies also aimed at supporting families in meeting the practical and material needs of

their children.

Given the status of strategic developments and the array of investments in the area of

parenting support by government and across the community and voluntary sectors, this

Open Policy Debate aimed to provide an opportunity for key stakeholders to share expertise

in this area, to build cross-organisational and cross-sectoral relationships, and to advance

the theme of Parenting Supports in Ireland.

4

2. Open Policy Debate

DCYA hosted the Open Policy Debate: Parenting Supports in Ireland on 2 May 2018 at The

Atrium, Department of Justice and Equality, Dublin 2. The event was moderated by

Professor Trevor Spratt, Director of Trinity Research in Childhood Centre in Trinity College,

Dublin.

In order to facilitate informed dialogue and discussions, the Open Policy Debate (OPD) was

organised along the lines of presentations followed by panel discussions open to questioning

by the floor and facilitated discussions structured along identified key questions. .

In the morning, presentations by Dr Rosemary Crosse, Professor Gordon Harold and Mr

Francis Chance provided the attendees with initial input into the policy and practice contexts

for parenting support in Ireland. Dr Rosemary Crosse of the UNESCO Child & Family

Research Centre at NUI Galway provided an overview of Irish parenting policy and practice

since 1980. Professor Gordon Harold of the University of Sussex/Trinity College, Dublin

presented attendees with an opportunity to consider emerging research findings and

international evidence in the area of parenting support. His presentation considered the

impact of family relationships on children’s mental health and outcomes, with particular

reference to Professor Harold’s own research on the relationships between interparental

conflict, parenting and children’s outcomes. Mr Francis Chance, Programme Manager of the

Nurture Programme, Katherine Howard Foundation, presented the results of a survey of

parents which offered a chance to better understand the concerns of parents and the views

of parents on existing parenting and family supports.

A panel discussion and Q&A session followed these presentations. This part of the OPD

allowed attendees critically analyse and explore the expert presentations in greater depth,

considering how the findings presented might apply to the work of policymakers, providers

and practitioners.

The afternoon consisted of a boardroom discussion which allowed all attendees to discuss

key questions proposed by DCYA. Attendees were also addressed by Dr Fergal Lynch,

Secretary General of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

A summary of each of the presentations and the conclusions reached during the final

discussion forum follows.

.

5

2.1. Overview of Presentations

a) Parenting: an Overview of Policy & Practice in Ireland

Dr Rosemary Crosse, UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre, NUI

Galway.

Dr Rosemary Crosse provided an overview of parenting policy and practice since 1980

outlining how parenting had come to occupy a prominent place as a policy imperative over

time. Beginning with the Task Force Report on Childcare Services (1980), Dr Crosse

acknowledged the early steps taken towards a supportive approach to the parenting

relationship.

However, it was in the 1990s that the emphasis on parenting intensified, according to Dr

Crosse. Dr Crosse noted The Childcare Act (1991) and the United Nations Convention on

the Rights of the Child (1992) as critical legislative scaffolds which drove a move towards

policy promoting parenting support culminating in the Commission on the Family 1998

recommending a policy approach building strengths in families. Finally, the Parental Leave

Act (1998) created a statutory entitlement to paternity leave for all fathers, a significant first

piece of legislation to recognise fathers’ entitlement to leave following the birth of a child.

Figure 1: Landmark Policy Developments

Dr Crosse’s presentation continued to identify the coordinated approach to parenting

supports which occurred from 2000 onwards. The National Children’s Strategy (2000)

emphasised the ‘whole child’ perspective, and acknowledged the need to provide supports

to parents to realise this vision.7 Dr Crosse indicated that the establishment of the Office of

the Minister for Children within the Department of Health and Children in 2005 was an

7 Department of Health and Children. (2000).The National Children’s Strategy: Our Lives, Their Lives. Dublin:

Department of Health and Children, p.10

6

expression of the government’s wish to advance children’s services and implement the

National Children’s Strategy.

The subsequent developments relating to the establishment of Department of Children and

Youth Affairs (DCYA) and appointment of the first Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in

2011, were seen as crucial steps taken to honour commitments including; the provision of

universal and targeted services for children and families, interventions in the area of child

welfare and protection, family support, school attendance, the reduction of youth crime,

adoption, and the harmonisation of policy and provision across government departments and

service providers.

Rosemary Crosse highlighted the ABC Programme, established in 2013 in line with a

government commitment to adopt an area based approach to alleviating child poverty, as a

key development.

The publication of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for

Children and Young People 2014-2020 was presented by Dr Crosse as a landmark

parenting policy development along with the government published a High-Level Policy

Statement on Parenting and Family Support in 2015.

In terms of provision, Dr Crosse highlighted that parenting support has historically been

provided by a range of statutory, voluntary and community-based organisations. Some of

these services are provided directly by Tusla, some supports are provided by community

and voluntary organisations with funding support from Tusla, and some are funded by

charitable organisations or government departments.

Dr Crosse concluded her presentation by focusing on parenting and family support, a

constituent part of all of Tusla’s work, informed by the agency’s parenting support strategy

and the Prevention, Partnership and Family Support Programme (PPFS). In doing so, she

drew distinctions between direct and indirect parenting support work.

Dr Crosse encouraged attendees to consider both when discussing parenting support

strategies and services across the continuum of need, taking a progressive universalist

approach. Direct supports include actions aimed exclusively at improving parenting skills and

capacity. Indirect supports include actions aimed at parents or families which improve their

lives more generally. Supports include advice, home-based support, group-based support,

and parent education groups. Some supports are universal, while others provide ‘top-up’

support for parents with additional needs, and supervised parenting, child protection and

alternative care at the more severe end of need.

7

b) Putting Parenting Support into Perspective: An Update on Research and

Intervention Evidence

Gordon Harold, Andrew and Virginia Rudd Professor of Psychology, School

of Psychology, University of Sussex and Adjunct Professor, School of

Psychology, Trinity College, Dublin.

Professor Gordon Harold provided a valuable input on international parenting support

research and evidence. He demonstrated that multiple family relationships, such as the inter-

parental relationship, mother-child and father-child relationships, influence children’s mental

health. In particular, he focussed on the evidence that interparental conflict may negatively

impact children directly and affect parenting quality. Using three strands of research,

intervention and policy evidence, Gordon Harold examined the role of the inter-parental and

parent-child relationships on child and adolescent mental health (e.g. depression, conduct

problems, school failure).

Professor Harold presented on the research demonstrating that poor parent-child

relationships and interparental conflict may negatively affect children.8 Children living in

households marked by high levels of interparental conflict are at risk of serious mental health

problems and future psychiatric disorder. Interparental conflict which is frequent, intense and

poorly resolved can also have detrimental effects on children’s emotional, behavioural,

social, academic development, and future interpersonal relationships. Prof. Harold noted that

conflict between parents was a normal part of family life and argued that the duration,

intensity and the resolution of the conflicts were more important factors in determining the

effects on children than the mere occurrence of conflict.

While the causes of interparental conflict are varied, Prof. Harold highlighted economic or

work pressure as one major trigger. Economic or work pressure can lead to paternal and/or

maternal depression, which can in turn elevate the chances of interparental conflict, leading

to more negative parenting practices and ultimately problems for the child (which may then

repeat across generations).

8 Gordon T. Harold and Ruth Sellers. (2018). ‘Annual Research Review: Interparental conflict and youth

psychotherapy: an evidence review and practice focused update,’ The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 59(4), pp. 374-402, p. 374.

8

Economic Stress/Work

pressure

Paternal Depression

Maternal Depression

Parent-Child

Neglect

Interparental Conflict

Child Problems

Cascading Influences on Youth Outcomes

Conger and colleagues 1989-2017+

Figure 2: Model of Cascading Influences on Youth Outcomes

He noted that research pointing to the connection between interparental conflict and child

problems has been challenged on the basis that a genetic connection may explain

associations between parent and child behaviour. This suggests that associations between

interparental conflict and problems for children are not the result of environmental factors

(i.e. inter-parental and parent-child relationship quality), but rather common genetic factors

passed from parents to children. In order to test the validity of this challenge, it has been

necessary to separate genetic factors from rearing environment factors, which required

researchers to generate novel research designs and evaluate new data.

Prof. Harold highlighted two recent research designs, the Early Growth and Development

Study in the United States and a Cardiff in vitro fertilisation study (Prof. Harold is an

investigator/principal researcher on both studies). These studies, which focused on adoption

at birth and adoption at conception respectively, demonstrated that associations between

parent and child behaviour cannot be due to common genes shared between parents and

children. They reemphasised the importance of the parent or carer influences on children. 9

Prof. Harold stressed that the research on the impact of interparental conflict has

implications for parenting support policy and interventions. Historically, intervention

programs that target parental or carer relationships have focused on domestic violence or

parental divorce. He noted however, that it is increasingly recognised that addressing conflict

at the level of the couple relationship may pay significant dividends in improving outcomes

for children. Prof. Harold signposted a growing body of international evidence that indicates

positive impacts on child outcomes by supporting the interparental relationship, highlighting

9 Harold, Gordon T. and Sellers, Ruth. (2018). ‘Annual Research Review: Interparental conflict and youth

psychotherapy: an evidence review and practice focused update,’ The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 59(4), pp. 374-402, p. 382-3.

9

his own work in conjunction with Dr Ruth Sellers developing a cost-benefit model which has

promising results.10

Prof Harold proceeded to highlight the UK Department of Work and Pensions’ investment of

£42 million in April 2017 to provide interparental and parenting focused support, a policy

initiative directly linked to the evidence base reviewed and presented to attendees by Prof.

Harold.

Concluding his presentation, Prof. Harold argued that supporting parenting practices early

improves outcomes for children, but that the impacts of this support were not sustained in

the context of high levels of interparental conflict. He urged attendees to consider the

evidence demonstrating that supporting the inter-adult/interparental relationship early

improves outcomes for children, improves parenting practices for mothers and fathers and,

based on international evidence, has sustained effects on child outcomes.

Figure 3: Overview of UK Government Investment in Supporting Families and Children

10

Harold, Gordon T. and Sellers, Ruth. (2018). ‘Annual Research Review: Interparental conflict and youth psychotherapy: an evidence review and practice focused update,’ The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 59(4), pp. 374-402, p. 395.

10

c) Giving Our Children the Best Start in Life – The Voices of Parents

Mr Francis Chance, Katherine Howard Foundation Programme Manager,

The Nurture Programme: Infant Health and Wellbeing.

The final presentation was given by Mr Francis Chance who presented the results of a

survey of parents carried out in November 2017 by the Katherine Howard Foundation (KHF).

The survey was issued as an opportunity for KHF to better understand the concerns of

parents and gather the views of parents on existing parenting and family supports.

Mr Chance outlined how the survey was framed as widely as possible, allowing parents to

express their own views on a range of issues and was circulated through personal,

professional and service networks as well as social media. Almost 500 responses were

collected from every county.

Parents were asked two broad questions across eleven key areas of their life;

‘What helps you give your child the best start in life?’ and

‘What could be improved to help you in giving your child the best start in life?’

Parents returned responses which identified five simple key messages which could be

considered by policy makers, service providers and practitioners;

Time Matters,

Family Matters,

Choice Matters,

Money Matters, and

Supports Matter.

The survey found that parents recognised the value of time spent with their children. Love

and security and supporting the child’s development were critical to giving children the best

start in life, as were structure and routine. Parents indicated that they wanted to spend more

time with their child playing and listening and wanted to adjust their work-life balance. Direct

quotes from parents included ‘I try to be more present in their day to day woes, free my head

for them.’

Mr Chance outlined how the survey respondents indicated the value of the support,

encouragement and love provided by family and friends. Challenges however included that

25% of parents lack extended family supports and 18% indicated that they wanted family

and friends to spend more time with their children.

11

Figure 4: Quotes from Parents - Family Matters

Choice was found to be a critical theme with respondents indicating while that they

appreciate maternity and paternity leave, there is a need for extended parental leave, more

flexible working conditions, and more options to allow parents to remain at home. One

parent responded on the theme of choice to say ‘Parents should be incentivised to stay at

home if that is their wish in the early years.’

Respondents indicated on the topic of Money Matters that they appreciated financial

supports for childcare but many wanted further financial support or tax relief. Similarly, the

free GP care for children aged under six was appreciated, but parents requested it be

expanded to cover all children.

Finally, under the heading of Supports Matter, parks and play spaces were commended, as

were services such as Public Health Nurses, GP care and immunisation. Breastfeeding

support was specifically mentioned as requiring further attention.

Closing his presentation, Mr Chance argued that some of the report’s key messages were

that parents did not understand service structures the way agencies do, and that over half of

parents do not understand family support and child protection services. Parents need a

unified, evidence based source of information on parenting and child development and

adequately resourced services. He also stressed the need for a common language that can

be easily understood by parents and urged all attendees to commit to a preventative

approach to intercept potential crises and to strike a balance between universal and targeted

service delivery.

12

Figure 5: Quotes from Parents - Money Matters

Central to the underlying messages of Mr. Chance’s presentation was the need to build the

voices of parents into the culture of the work of policy makers, service providers and

practitioners. While many parents are doing well, a significant number are struggling and

require additional support. Childcare supports, family services and supports, supportive

communities and employers are all essential contributors to supporting parenting and

recognising that parenting matters. Further details on the survey, and accompanying report,

is available on the Katherine Howard Foundation website.

13

2.2 Open Policy Debate - Panel Discussion and Q&A

Following the presentations, attendees had an opportunity to pose questions to the panel of

experts and comment on the content of their presentations. A panel discussion also followed

which allowed the panellists expand on their presentations in response to the queries raised

and in particular, to note the roles of the statutory, and community and voluntary sector in

parent support provision.

During this part of the OPD, several themes emerged which are summarised below.

o Parenting support and support for parents must be defined

All stakeholders working in parenting support provision should identify and work according to

one universal agreed definition of parenting support. Discussions centred on a definition

which sees parenting support as the provision of information, advice and assistance to

parents and carers in relation to the upbringing of their children. However, attendees also

noted that parents may also receive indirect support which does not directly relate to the

upbringing of their children, but rather seeks to improve outcomes for families and

individuals. Support for parents is a broad category of which parenting support may be

considered one part. Attendees stressed that parents should be seen as individuals at their

own stage in the life course. Attendees also noted that Prevention and Early Intervention

should not be seen as synonymous with one another. Preventing an issue from arising is

always the best possible outcome. Early intervention is still intervention, and it should be

used with care.

o Parenting support provision must be contextualised

Attendees argued that structural challenges facing families often impede the successful

delivery of parenting support. Parenting support cannot be delivered in isolation, but must be

understood and implemented within a broader economic and social context which

acknowledges the social economic status and circumstances of parents, and the needs of

the area in which it is delivered. Targeting parenting without addressing the wider context is

going to negate the impact of interventions on children’s outcomes. Homeless families were

raised as an example of one group often lacking access to both local support networks and

professional parenting support. There was universal agreement by attendees that economic

security shapes many aspects of the lives of children and their families, and that parenting

support provision can only deliver maximum possible impact when families have economic

security.

o The diversity of parenting relationships and family forms need to be

acknowledged in service planning and delivery

Attendees noted the diversity of family forms and parenting relationships which policy and

service provision needs to recognise. Referring to Prof. Harold’s presentation, attendees

discussed the need to address the interparental relationship, alongside any parenting

support services. Foster families were noted as being traditionally linked to medical health

services rather than typical parenting support provisions. Parents of children with a disability

were also identified as a cohort facing multiple structural barriers and requiring additional

support. Parenting support must stretch across a broad continuum of need in order to fully

accommodate the diversity of family types and needs. Where support is delivered widely and

14

accessibly, parents in need will access it. Attendees maintained that information on

parenting delivered at a population level could be a valuable area for future provision.

o Fathers must be engaged in parenting support services

Involving fathers as well as mothers in parenting support was identified as an important

objective. While the mother-child and father-child dynamic are complimentary, the latter is

not supported to the same extent as the former in policy or practice. It was pointed out that

some services ostensibly aimed at all parents/carers by default engage with mothers instead

of fathers. It was also noted that research indicated fathers are more likely to be engaged by

positive feedback, and that this could be integrated into how services approach fathers. The

relevance of fathers must be communicated operationally.

o Services must be delivered consistently and in a co-ordinated manner

Throughout the discussions, attendees stressed the need for consistency and

standardisation of service availability and delivery across the country. It was noted that there

is currently regional variation in terms of the capacity and quality of available services. It was

argued that while services should be delivered with due regard to local circumstances,

parents should be able to move across Ireland without considerable changes in the

availability or quality of services. Similarly, a strong ethos of cross-organisational and cross-

sectoral working is required and work must be undertaken to embed this in the culture of

local and national services.

A shared assessment of need across services was offered as a mechanism that would

improve consistency and inter-agency working. However, following that assessment,

services must be in place that can accept appropriate referrals and the referral pathways

need to be understood by all stakeholders. The most hard to reach families with the greatest

need were highlighted as an example of where service coordination is essential to

successful working.

o Prioritise the capacity development and resourcing of practitioners

There was strong consensus that improved child outcomes should be the key metric of

success for any parenting support delivered. Supporting and working with practitioners to

capture and analyse data which can inform service delivery is vital. Attendees stressed that

the workforce must be appropriately trained and resourced to effectively and efficiently

respond to needs and adapt services according to the measured impact of services.

Referring again to assessment of need, a non-invasive way to profile adult relationships

functioning with a view to improving child outcomes and identifying appropriate referral

pathways was identified as an area that would require substantial professional capacity

development across children’s and young people’s services.

15

2.3 Open Policy Debate - Discussion Forum

A welcome address by Dr Fergal Lynch, Secretary General of the Department of Children

and Youth Affairs opened the afternoon proceedings. The Secretary General welcomed

attendees to the discussion forum and commended the contribution of attendees over the

course of the day. He indicated the commitment of the Department to use the outcome of the

day to inform how DCYA might further support parenting support activity in the future.

A discussion forum moderated by Professor Trevor Spratt followed. The discussion was

structured around some key questions outlined below, providing an opportunity to gather

feedback from attendees for consideration by DCYA following the event.

Q: What role can and should respective sectors play in parenting support? (central

government, statutory agencies, community and voluntary sectors, early childhood

care and education settings and schools)

Attendees agreed that an evidence informed approach should be at the core of all work,

irrespective of the sector involved. The example of the Tusla 50 keys messages on

parenting was given to illustrate how an evidence-informed approach can be delivered

across all sectors in a strategic and coordinated manner. In delivering an evidence -informed

approach, it will be important to ensure it is based on a model that is about educating and

reassuring parents and building on their strengths, and what they are doing well. There was

agreement that all sectors need to come together to identify and agree on the optimum

continuum of services and principles of practice. A menu or suite of evidence based

approaches or programmes could be made available to support serviced design and

delivery.

Interventions need to be effective but also scalable and sustainable. Understanding and

awareness of approaches and models that have also proven impact need to be integrated

into national and local service delivery, with the example of infant mental health being

offered as an example of an area of research that might be integrated into the health service.

The need for consistency across the country was reiterated. Agreement should be reached

on the range of programmes and supports that should be delivered to all parents, with local

services identifying which of these might be best applied in their local area based on

identified needs. As well as providing universal supports for all parents, it is necessary to

find what works with a small, hard-to-reach cohort not currently engaged with services.

Gordon Harold’s work on the inter-adult relationship was raised as an area that has not been

explored thus far in an Irish context. Any provision will need to identify the stage each child

and their families are at and the unique challenges that can present themselves at those

stages. Sectors could also come together to provide one evidence based website from which

parents can access guidance, advice and information on parenting skills, strategies and child

development.

Public Health Nursing was offered by one attendee as the greatest support currently offered

to parents and a model, based on progressive universalism, for how respective sectors

can engage in parenting support. It was recognised as a service delivered in the parent’s

own home, building relationships, identifying levels of need and providing support for the

health of the mother and child. Competing resources were identified as a threat to service

delivery, but equally and opportunity to encourage more collaborative working. With regard

16

to public health nursing a closer relationship between the HSE and Tusla was offered as a

route to improved service delivery. New initiatives being implemented should also take

account of learning coming from existing or previous initiatives, with the Department of

Educational and skills pilot project to develop an In school model of speech and language

therapy offered as an example of where this might apply.

The increasing incidences of childhood obesity and child and adolescent mental health

challenges were also offered as a rationale for greater collaboration across sectors as they

have implications for all domains of services. A strengths based approach would see

parents being informed that their child’s health is at an elevated risk and their role is central

to addressing that risk.

Attendees reiterated that central to future developments must be a focussed investment in

workforce development, with particular focus on ensuring anyone who works with children

and their families is proficient in dealing with parents and other professionals and

understands family dynamics. Often, the focus of family support practitioners working with

children excludes parents. Working with children necessarily involves working with parents,

so we must ensure they are kept at the centre of processes. Practitioners must also have a

robust understanding of natural child development. This workforce development might take

the form of both pre-service and in-service training opportunities.

Q: How can we develop an equitable strengths and support oriented model that

provides a range of parenting supports across the life course and continuum of need

that are delivered nationally, with consistency and in line with parental preferences,

needs and the evidence?

A universal strategy needs to look at what strategies parents currently use to get information

and support, including their peer group, family, parent/toddler groups and websites such as

Rollercoaster and Eumom. People live in families and communities and parents are

individuals at their own stage in the lifecycle. Some are in their teen years, for instance. Peer

supports are extremely valuable for parents at all stages of life and creating spaces for these

to develop was raised as a valuable area for investment.

Local services such those provided by early years childcare and education settings are vital.

The new ECCE scheme was raised by attendees as the next universal piece of

infrastructure being rolled out. It was noted that these developments and the opportunities

they afford must be maximised. There are many interventions that provide role modelling for

parents with an opportunity to learn how to play and build children’s emotional and social

wellbeing. It was also offered as an opportunity to build grandparents into the infrastructure.

The existing Public Health Nurse service was offered as a place to start building a national

programme. However, the breadth of patients that a public health nurse deal with and the

burdens being placed on the service indicate the need for a dedicated child health nursing

service. The work undertaken by the Nurture programme and emerging learning was also

identified as an area that could be further built upon.

The importance of taking an evidence informed approach was reiterated. We need to seek

gaps in outcomes rather than provision; by measuring outcomes we can better understand

how to deliver a good service. The focus of a national approach should be on measurably

improving children’s outcomes here and now and in the future. It needs to be built around a

17

commitment to building better childhoods for children and having a clear vision for what that

childhood might look like. It must look at the whole child and support communities to sustain

long term developmental goals. Meitheal was offered as an example of a practice model that

has successfully managed to bring a multitude of services together to collaboratively identify

how services can work together to support local families.

Children and Young People Services Committees (CYPSCs) were also raised as a possible

vehicle for delivering an equitable strengths and support oriented model which can deliver

parenting supports to meet the needs of parents. CYPSCs are a useful structure for

identifying supports available and gaps locally. CYPSC can also facilitate an approach that

supports the community and voluntary sector complimenting universal services effectively

and efficiently

Q: In moving commitments forward, what now needs to be prioritised and by whom at

three levels:

· The System – including policy and strategy developments

· The family – maintaining progressive universalism as a core principle

· The workforce

Attendees indicated that at a systems level, there needs to be increased recognition that

parenting is seen as an important piece of work. Further work might be undertaken to

identify how the State supports parents more broadly, including through the tax system. In

order for progress to be made, it was felt that a clear driving Department or agency needs to

be identified with a mandate to engage the multiple sectors and agencies engaged in

delivering parenting support.

Consistency in standards in also required. In the roll out of numerous initiatives, such as the

ABC Programme, Nurture, PPFS amongst others, we have gathered a lot of evidence in the

Irish context about what works. The system needs to recognise and built on these leanings

and commit to consistency of practice and standardisation of service delivery. Early

Intervention Teams, which joined up professionals on an interdisciplinary basis, were offered

as an example of where there has been demonstrated positive impact but limited

investment.

A national model based on progressive universalism was seen as achievable and having

impact. However, it was argued that the greatest obstacle to achieving the model proposed

is a stigma attached to seeking help as a parent. Erasing this stigma is critical to delivering

supports effectively.

The diversity of languages around parenting among different departments, agencies and

services working with parents was identified as an area of concern. A module on common

language for all professionals in this area would be a useful addition to the current suite of

training options in this area. A common language that is understood and also used by

parents must be identified.

Existing structures such as CYPSC could be used to coordinate, plan and commission

necessary services for local areas. Linked with this is the potential for Child and Family

Support Networks or other existing consortia, such as those under the Area Based

Childhood Programme to become the go to people in local communities for support and

18

onward referrals. It was noted however, that both structures require further development and

resources to ensure optimal impact.

At the family level, it was noted that previous inputs focussed on community supports.

However, community supports would not be effective for all families as homeless families

and those in direct provision have no community to provide support so it will be necessary to

deploy a different model. All provision needs to recognise family forms and the contexts in

which parents are operating are important. Where families are offered community support it

should include peer support, home visiting, and the use of local people who know the area to

deliver support where possible, with the capacity to link to more professional services as

necessary.

At the level of the workforce, there was broad consensus by attendees that workforce

development is where investment should be prioritised. Professional development for early

education and care workers would be a good place to start. The point was made that we

cannot have a standardised service without high quality workforce development.

Following on from previous discussions, it was identified that frontline services must be

trained to understand adult relationships and practitioners need the resources to profile

relationships in a non-invasive with a view to improving child outcomes.

3 Conclusions and Next Steps

The OPD successfully brought together experts in the area of parenting support at research,

policy-making, provider and practitioner levels. While specific attendees had some divergent

priorities, it is clear that parenting support is an area that requires more attention and

investment by Government. DCYA will take a number of steps to further explore this theme,

informed by the advice of attendees and presenters.

DCYA will conduct a commissioned study to establish a baseline understanding of

perceptions and practices of parenting in Ireland. The research will explore current parenting

practices among parents and what types of support parents want to help parent as

effectively as possible. The project will facilitate follow up research to track parents’

experience over time and level of satisfaction with the supports and services available to

them. Parents engaged with this research will also form a representative panel which may

be consulted on current and future parenting support provision.

DCYA will convene a new Parenting and Family Policy Unit internally which will focus

specifically on policy in this important area. The unit’s mandate will include identifying where

parenting support fits within the framework of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures.

The Early Years Strategy, the Department’s strategy for infants, young children (0-5) and

their families for publication later in 2018, will include a chapter devoted to the theme of

strong and supported parents and families. It will set out an ambitious goal for Government

in relation to the parenting of and family support for infants and young children, and put in

place a set of objectives to realise this goal. Part of the chapter will specifically address

employment related supports in line with feedback from this OPD.

Finally, in line with the Quality and Capacity Building Initiative (QCBI), the Department will

follow up on the work of Prof. Gordon Harold and his colleague Dr Ruth Sellers with the

19

Department of Work and Pensions (UK) developing a standardised assessment of need.

The Department will explore the development of bespoke training to introduce standardised

assessments into practice. The QCBI Coaching and Mentoring Strand will drive an evidence

based approach through the provision of professional development opportunities. In line with

the feedback from the OPD, this provision must include opportunities for cross-disciplinary

training and a module on common language for professionals working with parents and

families.

20

References

Child and Family Agency. (2013). Investing in families: Supporting Parents to Improve

Outcomes for Children. Dublin: Child and Family Agency.

Department of Children and Youth Affairs. (2014). Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The

National Policy Framework for children and young people 2014–2020. Dublin: Department of

Children and Youth Affairs.

Department of Children and Youth Affairs (2014). Government launches ‘Better Outcomes

Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014 –

2020.’ Dublin: Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Available at:

https://www.dcya.gov.ie/viewdoc.asp?fn=/documents/press/BetterOutcomesBrighterFutureP

ressRelease.htm.

Department of Children and Youth Affairs. (2015). High-level Policy Statement on Supporting

Parents and Families (‘Parenting and Family Support’). Dublin: Department of Children and

Youth Affairs.

Department of Health and Children. (2000).The National Children’s Strategy: Our Lives,

Their Lives. Dublin: Department of Health and Children.

Government of Ireland. (2016). Programme for Partnership Government. Dublin:

Government of Ireland.

Harold, Gordon T. and Sellers, Ruth. (2018). ‘Annual Research Review: Interparental conflict

and youth psychotherapy: an evidence review and practice focused update,’ The Journal of

Child Psychology and Psychiatry 59(4), pp. 374-402.