Training for Effective Parenting

Evaluation of a Parenting Training Program, “Limits”, in a Juvenile Justice Service: Results and Challenges

“…The program therefore seems to contribute to the initial implementation of simple strategies that can then provide the basis for deploying other skills. This result is consistent with what Mulford et al (2016) suggested in their meta-analysis.…”

“…In accordance with previous studies, it was found that a more prolonged intervention is needed for the program to take effect, particularly when there are difficulties between parents and adolescents (Letarte et al, 2010;Mulford et al, 2016;Webster et al, 2012). The sample presented added difficulties associated with the characteristics of target adolescents: they were older adolescents, flirting with drugs or drug abuse, belonging to dissocial groups and having committed more than one offense.…”

“…Also, some studies show little evidence of sustained deterrent effects through strong research designs and multiple site replications (Mihalic, Fagan, Irwin, Ballard, & Elliott, 2004); consequently, they have a limited impact at the population level (Sanders et al, 2014). Mulford, Redding, and Mendoza (2016) note that there are few studies on behavioral parent-training programs aimed at treating justice-involved juvenile populations. Most of the research on parent-training programs is focused on treating disruptive behavior in younger children.…”

“…As Mulford et al (2016) underlined, several characteristics moderate the effectiveness of parent-training programs: socioeconomically disadvantaged families, single parent families, and families lacking social support are less likely to demonstrate gains from these programs. The age of children is also associated with effectiveness, being higher when having younger offspring.…”

“…The program targets families with a higher risk of disruptions than other families in the general population. The content of the program is based on the social development approach (Mulford et al, 2016), and is also based on the research on parent training and parenting skills (Mulford & Redding, 2008) and on the support and control dimensions in parenting (Hoeve, Dubas, Eichelsheim, van der Laan, Smeenk, & Gerris, 2009).…”