A 'best buy' for violence prevention: Evaluating parenting skills programmes

Authors

  • Inge Wessels University of Cape Town
  • Catherine Ward

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3108/2015/i54a450

Abstract

Effective parenting programmes are central to successful violence prevention efforts. Although parenting programmes are available in South Africa, few are evidence-based. This lack of evaluation makes it impossible
to know whether programmes are helpful or harmful and whether they use resources efficiently. This article outlines a process for gauging the extent to which parenting programmes incorporate evidence-based
practices, which may then assist in identifying promising programmes. This involves the application of two interlinked instruments – an interview schedule and rating metric. It was applied to 21 group-based parenting
programmes in South Africa that were identified via convenience and snowball sampling. Results indicated that the use of evidence-based practices was low, especially in terms of monitoring and evaluation. Findings highlight clear areas where programme strengthening is needed. A similar process could be used to identify other promising violence prevention interventions.

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Published

2015-01-15

Issue

Section

Research articles