A comparison of the effectiveness of three parenting programmes in improving parenting skills, parent mental-well being and children's behaviour when implemented on a large scale in community settings in 18 English local authorities: the parenting early intervention pathfinder (PEIP).

Background: There is growing evidence that parenting programmes can improve parenting skills and thereby the behaviour of children exhibiting or at risk of developing antisocial behaviour. Given the high prevalence of childhood behaviour problems the task is to develop large scale application of effective programmes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the UK government funded implementation of the Parenting Early Intervention Pathfinder (PEIP).

Economic evaluation of an intensive home visiting programme for vulnerable families: a cost-effectiveness analysis of a public health intervention.

Background: Recent reviews have shown that home visiting programmes that address parenting have the potential to improve long term health and social outcomes for children. However there are few studies exploring the cost-effectiveness of such interventions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of an intensive home visiting programme directed at vulnerable families during the antenatal and postnatal periods.

The effectiveness and quality of routine child and adolescent mental health care outreach clinics.

Objectives: Little evidence has been available about the functioning and outcomes of child mental health services operating at the primary care interface. This study investigated the effectiveness and quality of one particular model of outreach clinic.

Design: The study used a quasi-experimental design comparing outcomes of children attending the outreach clinics with a waiting list comparison.

Role of home visiting in improving parenting and health in families at risk of abuse and neglect: results of a multicentre randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of an intensive home visiting programme in improving outcomes for vulnerable families.

Design: Multicentre randomised controlled trial in which eligible women were allocated to receive home visiting (n = 67) or standard services (n = 64). Incremental cost analysis.

The psychosocial needs of young offenders and adolescents from an inner city area.

To date, assessments of the prevalence of mental health problems in young offenders have largely focused on incarcerated samples. This paper describes a quantitative study of a sample of 47 male young offenders under the supervision of an inner city Youth Offending Team. A semi-structured interview, modified from previous studies, was used to investigate the type and frequency of psychosocial and health problems they experienced.

The Role and Value of a Paediatric Specialist Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Service: Parental Perceptions.

Background:   This study was undertaken to explore parental perceptions of the role and value of a specialist service for children and families. This service offers assessment and diagnosis of children with neurodevelopmental disorders of the kind that are not evident at birth.

Method:   Information was collected from 37 families on expectations and experience of clinic attendance, user satisfaction and outcome through interviews and questionnaires, once before and twice after clinic attendance.