The Triple P‐Positive Parenting Programme: a universal population‐level approach to the prevention of child abuse

Abstract

The Triple P-Positive Parenting Programme is described as an example of an evidence-based universal parenting initiative that provides a tiered continuum of interventions of increasing strength but narrowing reach in an effort to make parenting programmes more accessible to parents. Interventions within the system range from the use of the media and brief messages to intensive family interventions for parents where parenting problems are complicated by multiple additional sources of family adversity. Several issues concerning the role of training and organizational factors that influence the successful uptake and implementation of the programme are discussed.Key Words: positive parenting; prevention; child abuse; population approach In the prevention of child abuse, it is important to reorient our focus from treatment outcomes to develop and evaluate a population perspective to family problems. We suggest that a populationbased strategy to enhance parental competence, prevent dysfunctional parenting practices, change parental attributions and promote teamwork between partners would reduce family risk factors associated with child maltreatment. For this to be effective, several criteria need to be met (Taylor, 1999;: knowledge of the prevalence and incidence of child outcomes being targeted; knowledge of the prevalence and incidence of family risk factors; knowledge that changing specific family risk and protective factors leads to a reduction in the incidence and prevalence of the target problem; use of effective family interventions; family interventions must be culturally appropriate; and interventions need to be widely available.

Why a universal population‐level approach to the prevention of child abuse is essential

“…In advancing the evidence-base on prevention of child abuse, large scale cluster randomization designs are needed to further clarify the costs and benefits of population interventions as well as their effects on child and parenting variables, child abuse notifications and hospitalization data. One such model of intervention is outlined by Sanders et al (2003).…”

Vulnerability and Resilience in Early Child Development

“…Intervention scientists have argued that the pile-up of risks and the paucity of assets and protections in the lives of many children require a multi-focused strategy (Coie et al, 1993;Masten & Coatsworth, 1998;Wyman et al, 2000). The Triple P program in Australia (Sanders, Cann, & Markie-Dadds, 2003), mentioned above, like Project Head Start (Zigler & Muenchow, 1992) and the Abecedarian Early Intervention Project (Ramey & Ramey, 1998), uses a multi-focused, comprehensive approach to interventions for young children, providing a variety of social, health, and educational services to children and their families.…”

Perpetration and Victimization of Intimate Partner Aggression Among Rural Mothers

“…The Triple P System is an evidence-based multilevel system program that provides parents with education, skill-building, and support to cope with the stressors of parenting and avoid child maltreatment behaviors (Sanders 1999;Sanders et al 2003;Prinz et al 2009). The Period of PURPLE Crying is another example of an evidence-based approach that teaches coping techniques to help mothers avoid abusive head trauma in response to infant crying and has been used in rural and urban communities (Barr et al 2009a,b;Schwab Reese et al 2014).…”

“…Combining parenting interventions like The Triple P System (Sanders 1999;Sanders et al 2003;Prinz et al 2009) and The Period of PURPLE Crying (Barr et al 2009a,b) with elements of intimate partner aggression prevention programs may be an innovative approach to reducing family aggression. Given the unique risk associated with rural residence, translating such programs for families in rural communities must also be considered.…”