Program podpory rodičovských dovedností: Výsledky, reflexe a výzvy sociální práce s rodiči ze socioekonomicky znevýhodněného prostředí
Parenting Skills Support Programme: results, reflections and challenges of social work with parents from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds

Summary/Abstract: This text describes the findings of the project “Parenting groups to support parenting skills” from the perspective of social workers providing support to families from socio-economically disadvantaged background over the last two years. We build on the long-standing evidence stemming from the principles of positive parenting described in Dobrý začátek and Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH). These principles aim to increase parenting skills, behaviour, improve children’s behaviour and enhance their well-being. Our findings are based on the qualitative methods of the process evaluation — focus groups, social workers’ evaluation of their engagement with clients, and fidelity of the implementation. Regarding the parenting groups intervention, social workers were particularly successful in appreciating and responding to clients’ needs. On the other hand, they were less successful in practicing specific skills or resolving conflict situations. Social workers valued their own improvement in working with groups or fulfilling their interest in continual work on the topic. In terms of families, parenting groups led to newly acquired parenting skills. Parents were more likely to understand that parenting can be approached in a different way than they were used to. There was a change in their approach manifested in giving more specific and achievable instructions, as well as in change of the children’s behaviour. Considering the importance of the role of social workers in the whole process, it seems important to focus on fostering social workers’ skills. Setting up long term facilitator pairs, providing space to work on the topic of parenting skills, or a greater gender balance of social workers seem desirable.

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