Enhancing self-esteem in vulnerable families

BACKGROUND There are many programmes to support vulnerable parents coping in challenging situations, but limited research on the skills and qualities required by practitioners leading these programmes. This study sought to provide such information and make recommendation on what skills a toolkit for practitioners leading parenting programmes should include. AIM To provide evidence of best practice in parenting programme provision to support the development of training tools for practitioners. METHOD Illuminative evaluation was adopted using video-recorded observation, focus groups, interviews and questionnaires. RESULTS The skills and qualities demonstrated by practitioners facilitating the programmes, such as respecting, being non-judgemental, valuing and having a genuine interest in individuals were critical elements in developing trusting relationships with families. CONCLUSION Results point to the importance of having highly skilled practitioners, who establish positive working relationships with families, to deliver parenting support programmes.