In recognition of the increased emphasis being placed on parenting support work in all its recent policy publications, the government has published a guide for local authorities and children's trusts on developing parenting support.
The guidance will be relevant to those involved in the development of Children and Young People's Plans and those responsible for commissioning and delivering services for parents.
Publication of the guidance coincides with the launch of a searchable database of proven, effective parenting programmes across England in a bid by the DfES and Parenting UK to help councils stop reinventing the wheel and learn from what already works elsewhere.
The guide urges local authorities to work with other relevant groups and agencies to develop a parenting strategy which reflects local need and is aligned to the area's behaviour strategy across children’s services. It should also reflect and inform the local Teenage Pregnancy Strategy, Special Educational Needs Strategy, Youth Justice Plan, Joint Commissioning Strategy and Local Area Agreement.
"The strategy should consider the varying needs and circumstances of parents living in their area and plan to put in place appropriate services. The strategy should also set out the different levels of support available to parents, from preventative and early intervention services through to compulsory engagement with the use of enforcement measures, where appropriate."