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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE BY THE DEPUTY OF ST. MARY
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 19th JANUARY 2010
Question
Would the Minister inform members what services currently exist to provide training and support in parenting and, if this information is not available, can the Minister inform members when it will be available?
Answer
In 2008 a multi-agency parenting strategy was developed. The starting point for this was a recognition that services already exist which support parents and families.
Parenting Support Services are currently provided at the Bridge. These are open to all parents, providing advice, guidance and practical support on matters related to bringing up children. At the Bridge, parents can also access parenting classes and one-to-one support.
Parenting programmes are also offered, in partnership with Parenting Support Services, at some schools.
Voluntary sector organisations such as NSPCC also provide group support and one to one support. The Pathways Project at Samares School is an example of this.
During 2009, parenting support services worked with approximately 300 parents through the Understanding Children 0-19 years' programme and a further 320 parents in programmes focused on engaging them in their children's learning
In addition to these universal services, support is also targeted to specific groups.
• The Brighter Futures Charity based at The Bridge provides early intervention to support families in need. Referrals to the Journey to Wellbeing' programme are accepted from all agencies and the key focus is on
supporting parents to make changes in their own lives that will benefit their children.
• The Youth Action Team and Parenting Support Services undertake family problem solving' work with families.
• The NSPCC works with pre-school children and their families in their own homes within a specific catchment area
In addition to these services, other agencies, such as Health and Social Services, provide complementary universal and targeted services to support parents and families.