Innovations in parenting support: an evaluation of the YMCA's 'Parenting Teenagers' initiative

• Published in: Children & society 2002-06, Vol.16 (3), p.143-153
• Main Authors: Roker, Debi, Richardson, Helen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescents; Associations; Children; England; Family; Family relations; Family studies; Family therapy; Foreign Countries; Organizations (Groups); Parent Child Relations; Parenting; Parenting Skills; Parenting Styles; Parents; Program Descriptions; Program Effectiveness; Program Evaluation; Sexuality. Marriage. Family relations; Social Support Groups; Sociology; Sociology of the family. Age groups; Support schemes; United Kingdom; Young Men's Christian Association; Young Mens Christian Association; Young people
• ISSN: 0951-0605; 1099-0860
• DOI: 10.1002/chi.692

This paper describes the evaluation of a three year Initiative run by the YMCA. The aim of the Initiative was to set up 30 different projects in YMCA centres in England, to provide help and support to the parents of teenagers. The Initiative was evaluated by the Trust for the Study of Adolescence. Funding was agreed for 29 projects, which included group‐based courses, ‘Dads and Lads’ projects, mediation schemes, transition evenings, and families and computing courses. A variety of outcomes from these projects are identified, both for parents, young people, project workers, and the YMCA as an organisation. Key issues and learning points from the Initiative are also identified. Finally, some general comments are made about strategies to provide support to the parents of teenagers. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.