Getting Started - Getting Better

Abstract

Partnership (MAPP) Triple P initiative is the first population-based intervention in Ireland todemonstrate that a parenting programme significantly impacted on prevalence of children's socio-emotional and behavioural problems.Short description of practice change implemented: Effectiveness relates to integration of Triple P Positive Parenting Programme evidence, local implementation plan and the enabling environment. These 3 elements benefited from planned and systematic practice change.Aim and theory of change: The aims of this initiative were to determine whether a reduction could be achieved in the prevalence rate of children showing socio-emotional and behavioural problems and to develop an implementation guide.The theory of change, hypothesised that the combination of inputs (access to communication approaches, evidence based programme, high quality training accreditation and mentoring for practitioners, internal and external partnerships and resources) and effective implementation would achieve wide ranging gains for children and parents within the population.Targeted population and stakeholders: The target population was parents of children aged 3- 7.The MAPP partnership comprised statutory, voluntary and community sector organisations Timeline: The evaluation was completed over a 2.5 year. The Implementation Guide was developed upon this experience and the expansion into 2 new counties.Highlights: (innovation, Impact and outcomes) Innovation in the present study included the use of a locally developed implementation framework and a core team consisting of multidisciplinary staff from partner organisations who reoriented their work. The evaluation showed a significant reduction in the prevalence rates of socio-emotional and behavioural problems over time. A guide was developed to facilitate the intentional, explicit and systematic implementation of the MAPP approach in other areas.Comments on sustainability: The elements of this model which promote sustainability are: