Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
736. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of parents who have engaged in positive parenting programmes each year since their introduction; the costs charged to parents for participating in these programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33676/14]
View answerThe Child and Family Agency funds a range of parenting support services across the State, including a range of Parenting Programmes, Parent and Toddler Services, Springboard Projects, Parentline, Marte Meo model, Lone Parent Services, Treoir and Teen Parent Support Programmes. These parent support services take place in various settings, including in the network of Family Resource Centres. The most recent information from the Agency indicates that over 1,250 parents completed Parenting Courses in 2012 and almost 1,200 in 2013, within a Family Resource Centre setting broken down as follows:-
Number of Parents completing specific Parenting Courses in a Family Resource Centre
|
Programme |
2012 |
2013 |
|
Strengthening Families |
258 |
267 |
|
Community Mothers |
56 |
12 |
|
Incredible Years |
124 |
78 |
|
Lifestart |
42 |
12 |
|
Parents Plus |
315 |
403 |
|
Positive Parenting |
445 |
377 |
|
Common Sense Parenting |
12 |
32 |
|
Total |
1,252 |
1,181 |
Charges for participating in these programmes vary, with some offered free of charge and others at a nominal fee.
Data in respect of parenting programmes run in other settings is not readily available.
