Evaluation of a home-based parenting support program – Parenting Young C hildren – for parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities when there is a risk for neglect (PYC)

The project evaluates Parenting Young Children (PYC), a support program developed for parents with intellectual disabilities and other cognitive impairments, through a randomized controlled study (RC T). The target group is vulnerable and often receives societal support, with a high risk for child removals unless sufficient support is provided. The aim of the present project is to evaluate PYC through a RC T-study supplemented with process data and qualitative evaluation of the parents’ and children’s perspectives.

The aim of the present project is to evaluate PYC through a RC T-study supplemented with process data and qualitative evaluation of the parents’ and children’s perspectives.

According to the Social Services Act (SoL), the Social Services have responsibility for providing these families with the support they are entitled to, but there is a lack of evidence-based support programs adjusted to these parents’ needs. PYC was developed in Australia and has been implemented with good clinical results in several Swedish municipalities since 2010, despite the clinical experience a scientific evaluation is needed since there is no evidence of its effectiveness. An important knowledge gap is highlighted by the Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services. The aim of the present project is to fill this knowledge gap.