parent mentoring

ParentPlus Programme

In 2004/5 Chance UK took a completely new approach to the way in which we support the parents of the children with whom we work. Here, ParentPlus Programme Manager, Barbara Sebti, answers questions about our new-style programme.

What's been the most significant change in the way Chance UK supports parents?

Basically, we no longer use volunteer parent mentors on a three month mentoring programme. Instead I now work directly with the parents on an open-ended programme that can give intensive support when the parents need it and a voice at the end of the phone when they need less support.

Also, instead of the entirely voluntary engagement with the service parents had previously, there is now a 'technical compulsion' approach. Every new parent with a child on our child mentoring programme gets a least one visit from me to assess their needs and the level of support they require from the ParentPlus Programme. This helps to introduce the service on a more personal level and reduce the reluctance to get involved that was prevalent previously. Our new approach particularly helps families that have developed negative feelings towards statutory agencies.

The changing role of the ParentPlus Programme Manager means that I can now offer support to parents during school hours, which has proved useful as there are fewer distractions for parents at that time. Also, as all parents whose children receive mentoring have had contact with me, it's been possible to directly address all concerns that have come to light with regard to the child being mentored as well. This has enabled us to ensure that a parent is able to build upon the success of the child mentoring once their child has graduated from the programme. 

Can you give an example of the sort of support you've offered parents?

Sure. Take the case of one single mother, whom we'll call A, who has a son on our child mentoring programme. Initially, my work with her concerned practical issues such as applying for a disabled bus pass and answering official correspondence: A cannot read or write and had relied on her 12 year old daughter to read all letters to her.

One of the letters she received was from a child and family consultation service, inviting her and her two younger children to a meeting - a meeting that she was reluctant to attend because previous involvement with the service had left her feeling uncomfortable, particularly when she had been presented with written instructions or prompts. I managed to persuade her that if we went to this meeting, and others together, I would be able to support her. This offer of support and my early morning reminders were instrumental in getting her to turn up to two scheduled meetings; consquently, the family is now on a counselling course.

I have, of course, supported A in other ways too. We have watched Little Angels and simular videos to help her visualise how to put in place behavioural goals for her son. And on one occasion, when there was a slight hiccup with her son's mentoring, I was able to relay her reservations to the appropriate child mentoring Programme Manager to help resolve the matter. Since my intervention, A is much more positive and communicative with both her son's mentors and Programme Managers; she now ensures he's home when his mentor is due to visit, and she's there to receve him when he is returned home.

Has all the feedback you've had from parents been positive?

Basic feedback to date has been very encouraging and has helped us to identify areas that we could develop further. In many cases, parents have said that just being able to offload without feeling judged has been beneficial. Even those who have just one visited have felt supported by Chance UK: it offered them the opportunity to talk about their child's mentoring and feel more included in that process.

Furthermore, parents' attendance at Social Services meetings and family counsselling sessions has proved exponentially now that parents feel that they have me to accompany them. Having observed the improvements, these agencies have adopted the policy of informing Chance UK of all appointments so we can offer our input.

You mentioned areas that could be developed further. What do you have in mind?

We are planning to set up parent/peer support groups because many of our parents do not have a natural support network, which can result in them putting undue pressure on their children. Such groups will help to reduce the over-tense nature of those parent/child relationships where the parent treats the child as a confidant. We are aware that parents may find it difficult to travel to the group meetings and/or find the child care that would allow them to attend, so we plan to investigate the possibility of holding the meetings in the schools attended also by the children we mentor.

'Mentoring gave him the opportunity to express what he has inside...It gave him confidence to talk to other people, not just those close to him'.   Josephine, Mother.

For further details on this programme please contact Barbara Sebti, Parent Plus Programme Manager on 020 7281 5858 ext 210.