Process and evaluation of a group intervention for mothers with parenting difficulties

Abstract Twenty‐one mothers with severe parenting difficulties, including 12 children on the Child Protection Register, were involved in an intensive parenting intervention. The 4‐month group‐based package included psychotherapy to allow mothers to come to terms with past and present stressors, and direct and video work with mothers and children using a multi‐dimensional model of parenting. Considerable positive change in interaction and child centredness was evident when before and after videotapes of the mothers and children were compared. Negative interaction dropped to one‐quarter of the pre‐group level and mothers were more effective in exercising appropriate control. Of the 12 children on the Child Protection Register, 10 subsequently had their names removed, with both remaining children returning to the mother's care from compulsory care. This compares favourably with area figures, suggesting that about one‐third of children are removed annually from the register. The multi‐dimensional model of parenting not only provided a basis for measuring mother's skills but a coherent focus for intervention.