Public consultation on the development of a national model of parenting support services
A public consultation on the development of a model of parenting support services is currently underway and will be open for submissions until close of business, Friday April 16.
Definition of parenting support
Parenting support is the provision of information and services aimed at strengthening parents’ knowledge, confidence and skills to help achieve the best outcomes for children and their families.
Examples of parenting support services include parenting programmes, home visiting programmes, one-to-one advice and support, parent support groups and support helplines for parents.
Parenting support is one part of a wider systems of parent and child focused policies and supports. Other important forms of support for parents and children, outside of the scope of a national model of parenting support services, include: financial supports, family-friendly work practices, educational supports, leave entitlements, respite care, healthcare and mental health services, Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare, housing and child-friendly cities and place.
Developing a model
The aim of the model is to develop a more coherent and strategic approach to the development and delivery of parenting support services so that all parents can access the support they need when they need it.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) are leading on the development of a national model of parenting support services, working in partnership with the Centre for Effective Services (CES).
The development of the model is a key action under the First 5 strategy which sets out a commitment to “develop a national model of parenting services, from universal to targeted provision, covering key stages of child development, taking account of parents and children in a range of contexts and parenting relationships.”
To participate in the consultation, please click here.