The Evidence-based Parenting Practitioner's Handbook

The Evidence-based Parenting Practitioner’s Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the knowledge necessary to effectively deliver evidence-based parenting interventions within community and health settings. Using clear examples of how this knowledge can inform frontline work with parents, this practical handbook includes: an overview of the policy context underpinning evidence-based parenting work in the US, UK, Australia and Norway a discussion of how a robust evidence base is established and the ways in which practitioners can access information about good-quality research an overview of how research in the field of child development has contributed to the development of evidence-based parenting interventions an overview of how theories and research in the field of therapeutic practice have contributed to the development of evidence-based parenting interventions what research evidence suggests about the role of the practitioner in the delivery of evidence-based support outcome-focused methods for establishing the evidence base of new parenting interventions outcome-focused methods for commissioning evidence-based parenting services. Emphasizing the ways in which practitioners can evaluate and translate messages from research into applied work with parents and families, The Evidence-based Parenting Practitioner’s Handbook is suitable for all those involved in the delivery of evidence-based parenting support, including frontline practitioners, service managers, parenting commissioners, heads of children’s services and policy makers.  

Table of Contents:
1. The Need for Evidence-based Parenting Support  2. Understanding the Evidence Base  3. Evidence-based Theories of Child Development  4. Evidence-based Therapies Used in Parenting Work  5. The Role of the Practitioner in Providing Evidence-based Parenting Support  6. Planning and Evaluating Evidence-based Parenting Support  7. Evidence-based Parenting Support at the Community Level  8. Moving Forward

About the Author :
Kirsten Asmussen is a developmental psychologist with expertise in the parent/child relationship and parenting interventions. She works at the National Academy for Parenting Research where she leads a team of researchers who evaluate the programmes appearing on the Commissioning Toolkit.

Review :
'This book contains a wealth of material which would be of most use to children's departments and policy makers who commission resources. It is not so much a 'handbook' as a textbook, with an excellent glossary and list of references.' - Judi Lyons, Independent Social Worker and Practice Teacher 'A splendidly thorough account of what is involved in parenting interventions, together with a convincing argument on why proper assessments of efficacy are essential.' - Sir Michael Rutter FRS, Professor of Developmental Psychopathology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK '"Societies benefit when children thrive," Kirsten Asmussen notes, in launching her compelling overview of best practice in equipping parents for their most important role in life. The book encompasses the origins and nature of evidence-based parenting practices, how to improve these practices through evaluation and monitoring, and how to build broad systems for community-wide parenting support. Asmussen's analysis is both scholarly and highly accessible. It is a valuable resource for professionals, program directors, and policy-makers who work to support good parenting and to strengthen families.' - John R. Weisz, Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, USA 'Finally, a clear and comprehensive book that tells the truth to practitioners and policymakers about parenting. You don't have to guess about how to help parents. Good evidence exists and more is on the way. Learn it and use it!' - J. Lawrence Aber, Distinguished Professor of Applied Psychology and Public Policy, New York University, USA 'Kirsten Asmussen compellingly demonstrates why good intentions are not enough for those providing parenting support services. Her book is essential reading for policymakers and practitioners who want their work to be evidence-based and for anyone who thinks it already is.' - David Utting, independent writer, researcher and policy analyst