Building the parent-service provider relationship

The success of the programs is often dependent on a trusting relationship between the parent and the service provider.

How can it be implemented?

Activities that build the trust relationship between parent and service provider were often delivered through regular home visiting for an extended period. In some programs, the home visitor was a peer or community member with the same cultural background as the clients, who had been trained in the program.

Who is the target group?

This flexible activity has been implemented with several different target groups. Key characteristics include:

• First time mothers who are vulnerable, for example young mothers, single mothers, and families of low socioeconomic status
• Aboriginal mothers in Central Australia
• Families at risk using indicators such as education level, single parenthood, employment, history of abuse or neglect, potential for violence, and a history of mental illness, criminality, and drug abuse
• Families assessed as being likely to benefit from a prevention service
• African American mothers who have not accessed adequate prenatal care
• Families with prior contact with child welfare services, or who have been reported for alleged child abuse or neglect
• Children who have shown signs of social behavioural problems; had difficulties with socio-emotional or cognitive development
• Culturally diverse communities

What programs conduct this activity?

Nurse-Family Partnership: A trusting relationship is built between the home visitor and the parent/s. Home visits continue for two years.

Australian Nurse-Family Partnership Program: Aboriginal community workers are included as part of the home visiting team.

Early Start: A relationship is built between the home visitor and the parent/s. Home visits continue for three years. Each family support worker supports 10 to 20 families. Positive partnerships are developed between the family support worker and client. Program staff are involved with families throughout the child’s preschool years

Right@Home: A relationship is built between the home visitor and the parent/s. Home visits continue for two years.

Parents as teachers: A relationship is built between the home visitor and the parent/s. Home visits continue for up to 3 years if a child is enrolled at birth. Families receive warm/facilitated referrals to other services.

Pride in parenting: Home visitors establish a supportive, cooperative relationship with mothers, while responding to their individual needs. Trained home visitors of the same racial/ethnic backgrounds as the participants enhance trust and communication during delivery of the intervention.

Johns Hopkins Children and Youth Program: A relationship is built between the home visitor and the parent/s. Fortnightly home visits continue for two years.

HeadStart: Involvement of parents in HeadStart Centres where children receive childcare, and a relationship with a home visitor.

Relief Nursery Program: Social support is seen as a key protective factor and is given focus in each of the core components. Teachers, specialists and parents work together to establish individual goals for each child and find and access needed services.

The Incredible Years Preschool BASIC Parenting Program Enhanced with Home Visits: Providers interact with families in a non-shaming way, which builds trust and rapport between providers and parents.

The Incredible Years Shortened Basic Version: Providers interact with families in a non-shaming way, which builds trust and rapport between providers and parents.

ParentCorps: School personnel facilitate the parenting intervention and a concurrent group for children.

SEEK: The certified social worker works closely with the physician and parents as requested.

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