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Question: What is the best parent support facilitation program?

Answer: It is difficult to pinpoint a specific "parent support facilitation" program that would be considered the "best." There are many good programs out there and there is such a need for this type of work. They all share certain commonalities and they all possess their unique components. So much of what makes one more or less effective has to do with context. This is not to say that all programs are equal. One key characteristic of an effective program is that it tries to simultaneously benefit all stakeholders. Every program is focused on the child and of course is there to support the parents. Many of the programs that exist are reaching out to a wide number of other groups that can provide resources. In most of these cases, the groups that provide the resources are intent on helping the family as well. The more that these programs shape their activities and approaches in response to the child and to the parents input and to the input of connected organizations, they more effective it is likely to be. In other words, inclusivity and collaboration are very important. Giving full recognition to parents and their input is a very positive sign of a smoothly running parent support program. This is just a start when you begin investigating programs and their different features, but it is one that should be heavily weighted in your decision-making.

Question Date: Wed, 03/26/2008