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Parent Education Programs
Parent education programs focus on decreasing parenting practices and behaviors associated with child abuse and neglect. Participating parents develop and practice positive discipline techniques, learn age-appropriate child development skills, and receive support in increasing positive play and interaction with their children. The following programs have been useful in supporting parents and strengthening parenting skills.
Parent Training Programs: Insight for Practitioners
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2009)
Examines the components of effective parent training programs and provides guidance in making evidence-based program decisions to improve parenting skills and prevent child maltreatment.
Research Roundup: Parenting (PDF - 96 KB)
Child Welfare League of America (2005)
A literature review of practices and programs in parent training as a means of supporting and preserving families.
24/7 Dad™
National Fatherhood Initiative (2003)
Focuses on five characteristics a father needs to be a great dad 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Covers universal aspects of fatherhood so that men of all cultures, races, religions, and backgrounds can benefit from the programs.
Anger Management Toolbox for Parents
Bixler, Crites, & Kock
Journal of Extension, 44(6), 2006
Describes a kit (in English and Spanish) to help parents deal with anger in a constructive way.
Confident Parenting Program
Center for the Improvement of Child Caring (2004)
Describes the development, content, and outcomes of a parenting education program used in a wide range of institutional settings, including many child protective service agencies, as a treatment program for abusive parents.
Effective Black Parenting Program
Center for the Improvement of Child Caring (2004)
Describes the development, content, and outcomes of a culturally adapted skill-building program for parents of African-American children.
The Incredible Years
A research-based program for reducing children's aggression and behavior problems and increasing social competence at home and at school.
Just In Time Parenting
Cooperative Extension System
Provides research-based information to families in factsheets and newsletters, and connects parents to age-appropriate resources and expert advice.
Los Niños Bien Educados Program
Center for the Improvement of Child Caring (2004)
Describes the development, content, and outcomes of a culturally adapted skill-building program for Latin American parents.
National Effective Parenting Initiative (NEPI)
NEPI's goal is to make effective parenting and parenting education national priorities so that every parent will be able to receive the best possible education for raising healthy and self-confident children. Their materials include information on the Confident Parenting Program, Effective Black Parenting Program, and Los Niños Bien Educados Program.
National Parent Aide Network (NPAN)
A component of the National Exchange Club Foundation, NPAN supports the growth of parent aide programs nationwide to promote activities that strengthen families, support parents, and prevent child abuse and neglect.
The Nurturing Parenting Programs
Family-based program that involves both parents and children in activities, focusing on building a positive regard for self and others. Several programs focus on specific age groups and racial populations.
Parent Education | |
Series Title: | Issue Briefs |
Author(s): | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability: | View Download (PDF - 120KB) Order (Free) - Add to Cart |
Year Published: | 2008 - 9 pages |
Successful parent education programs help parents acquire and internalize parenting and problem-solving skills necessary to build a healthy family. This issue brief provides an overview of research regarding key characteristics and training strategies of successful parent education programs. Information about selected evidence-based and evidence-informed programs is also provided. |
Parent Training
California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare
Programs rated by the Clearinghouse for their effectiveness in parent education.
Parenting in Context
Cornell University College of Human Ecology
Focuses on integrating extension and research activities in parenting education, provides information on current research and funding, and supplies training and evaluation toolkits.
Parents as Teachers
An international early childhood parent education and family support program designed to enhance child development and school achievement through parent education accessible to all families.
Programs That Work: Parent Education
Promising Practices Network (2005)
Links to proven and promising parent education programs, including a program overview; implementation, evaluation, and funding information; example sites; contact information; resources; and a bibliography.
Supporting Parents of Young Children in the Child Welfare System
Beckmann, Knitzer, & Cooper (2010)
Explores the challenges and opportunities of improving mandated parent training for parents of young children in the child welfare system.
Triple P—Positive Parenting Program
A multilevel parenting and family support strategy that aims to prevent severe behavioral, emotional, and developmental problems in children by enhancing the knowledge, skills, and confidence of parents.