Evaluating parent support initiatives: lessons from two case studies

This study describes the characteristics of clients referred to two UK parent support initiatives — Newpin and Home-Start — and documents key aspects of the referral process and clients' responses to the help provided. Data were collected from referral records on 214 families referred during 1992 to four Newpin centres and 349 families referred between April 1994 and March 1995 to four Home-Start schemes. Families were sent questionnaires. Qualitative interview data were collected from a sub-sample of families and from staff and referrers in the Newpin study; volunteers and referrers completed questionnaires in the Home-Start study. Socially disadvantaged families were less likely to return the study questionnaires. The kinds of families and problems referred to the two organizations were very similar. Mothers' loneliness and low emotional well-being were the main reasons for referral; children at risk represented a small part of the caseload. Both Newpin and Home-Start respondents had low levels of support from family and friends. Most referrals were made by health visitors, and there was a significant problem of non use among referred families. Most users of Newpin and Home-Start were enthusiastic about the help provided. Common difficulties in family life, such as poverty, stress and low social support, make up an increasing part of the workload of health professionals and social workers, and of voluntary sector initiatives for supporting parents. This study raises questions about the claims such initiatives may make about their effectiveness in reaching and providing help to ‘at risk’ families. Further evaluation of such schemes is needed to provide a sound evidence-base for policy and purchasing decisions.