PosAbilities offers evidence-based program for third year
Michelle Strutzenberger

 

PosAbilities staff can attest to the changes effected through an evidence-based program that empowers parents to effectively resolve behaviour challenges with their children.

The Burnaby-based organization has offered the Positive Parenting Program, widely known as Triple P, for two years running.

Team manager for the posAbilities Laurel behaviour support services and lifeskills program Jennifer Oliver, who was a key advocate in bringing Triple P to the area, says posAbilities consultants who have delivered the program have observed its impact through pre- and post- measures they conduct with parents.

It is clear when parents complete the post tests that a significant change has happened, says Jennifer.

Most noteworthy is how families have been empowered to be able to better respond to behaviour challenges that might arise with their children who have a disability.

Studies of the program over a 30-year period have also demonstrated its efficacy.

Developed by professor Matt Sanders and colleagues from The University of Queensland in Australia, Triple P has been shown to increase positive parenting practices and reduce ineffective disciplinary practices. These in turn produce better mental health and developmental outcomes in children than comparison conditions, such as care as usual, no treatment, or wait list control conditions

The program has seen uptake around the world, including in countries such as Japan and the U.S. It is now the primary training approach used by the provincial children and family ministries in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Plans are underway to offer Triple P for families in Vancouver beginning in January, 2013.  PosAbilities may also offer a program this fall, with details yet to be finalized.

For each program, 10 families participate in the training, facilitated by two consultants. The training includes six weeks of group sessions, three weeks of telephone contact with the consultants and then a final group session.

Learning outcomes include an introduction to parenting strategies that affect a broad range of behaviours; ongoing problem-solving skills and strategies to promote positive behaviour change.

Topics across the weeks include positive parenting, promoting children’s development, teaching new skills and behaviours, managing misbehaviours, planning ahead and implementing parenting routines.

The group is suitable for parents with any concerns about their child’s behaviour who wish to learn a variety of parenting skills that will promote their child’s development and potential.

Each consultant facilitating the program is trained and certified in Triple P.

Families interested to learn more about taking part in the Triple P training can contact posAbilities Laureal behaviour support services team members Sareth Ly at sly(at)posabilities.ca, or by calling the posAbilities’ main line at (604) 299-4001.

Jennifer notes the organization will consider launching a program in a different community in January as well, pending enough interest.

Feel free to comment below, or e-mail michelle(at)axiomnews.ca.