NCJ Number
227977
Journal
Child Abuse Review Volume: 18 Issue: 4 Dated: July-August 2009 Pages: 267-288
Date Published
July 2009
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews group-based approaches to working with biological parents whose pre-school-aged children have been placed in care, and examines in detail one such program in South Australia.
Abstract
Findings indicate that Parents Plus Playgroups is well liked by the parents and is a promising way to engage parents whose children are being looked after. The playgroups provided avenues for parents to build relationships with their children who were in out-of-home care and other family members; improve their parenting knowledge, skills, and confidence; and enhance their personal growth and well-being. Staff and volunteers also experienced personal and professional benefits from being involved in the playgroups. These findings are consistent with others programs of this nature which report benefits that include increased feelings of support and understanding, improved self-confidence and parenting confidence, more involvement in aspects of their child's development, improvement in communication, as well as developing new friendships and social networks. The opportunity for parents to learn new parenting skills and to practice them with children on a regular basis under supervision is a key strength of the Parents Plus Playgroups. Parents reported that they were able to recognize the importance of play and to understand their child's developmental needs more clearly. They also valued the opportunity to practice their newly learnt parenting skills with their child thus improving their parenting confidence. Data were collected from 17 parents involved with the playgroups and who had children in care and 15 staff: Good Beginnings staff and volunteers involved in the delivery of the playgroups; and statutory child protection staff and volunteers involved with the program. Tables and references