'I like the fact that I am with other parents who are the same
as me and we can help each other.'
Parenting strategy, Lanarkshire
There is much good practice already in Scotland which indicates
how families can be supported. This section highlights examples
from around Scotland including educational projects, psychology,
parenting programmes, helpline practice and work with young
offender fathers.
Children's educational outcomes vary widely and are closely
linked to their backgrounds. Parental involvement in their
children's education can make a considerable difference. In this
section, contributors consider how this might be achieved and
describe various interventions designed to help with children's
behavioural problems.
FAST forward to a better start at schoolEuan Lloyd describes the FAST programme and argues that the debilitating effects of living in poverty means that some parents may require extra help to engage in their child's education and provide the type of positive home learning environment children need to fulfil their potential.
Parents: partners in educationEileen Prior argues that 'at home good parenting' alone is not enough. Raising expectations for all of our young people is a complex challenge which requires us to look beyond the school gates and the front door.
Women in prison: reducing vulnerabilityLiz McMahon describes the work of a unique mother and baby project in Cornton Vale Women's Prison, which external evaluation suggests is having a considerable impact on women in prison and their children.
A helpline for parentsAileen Kenny explores how the helpline values and supports parents in order to create a better world for children.