CfC FP ObjectiveSupporting Families and Parents 
Early Learning and Care
Delivered toParents and carers of children aged 5 to 12 years                                        
Delivered byTrained support workers
Delivery settingCommunity-based
Program developerEffectiveness Training Institute of Australia 

About the program

Parent Effectiveness Training is an educational program aims to improve family life by changing parental child-rearing attitudes and practices, and by changing children’s behaviour – primarily through altering communication styles.

Program structure

There are 8 x 3-hour sessions, which are conducted in groups and occur on a weekly basis. Group size is 12 to 15 people. Individual coaching sessions are also available. 

Facilitator training

Staff will need to complete training before delivering PET. The training is 60 to 80 hours, which can be delivered in a variety of ways, depending on the needs of the group.

There are no restrictions on who can become a PET instructor, but there is a preference for instructors to be parents themselves. Training is available in all States and Territories, except South Australia. If there is a group in South Australia who wish to be trained in PET, they can, however, make a request for a trainer to travel interstate.

Find out more on the Effectiveness Training Institute of Australia website.

Cost

Contact the organisation for pricing information.

Evaluation and effectiveness

Multiple studies document positive behavioural outcomes for families post-intervention. An extensive study (mixed method, control group) conducted across 6 sites in Australia found that parents participating in the course showed significantly higher scores than the control group in empathic listening, conflict resolution, appropriate assertiveness, and reduction in scores on parental stress (Wood, 2003).

A full summary of the research is available on the Effectiveness Training Institute of Australia website.

References

Wood, C.D. (2003). Thesis: How we talk to our children: An evaluation of Parent Effectiveness Training for emotional competence. University of Tasmania: unpublished doctoral study. 

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