Abstract
Problem
Migrant origin children are overrepresented in child protective services and among cases of suspected maltreatment against children. Language barriers, poor understanding of the child welfare system and differences in perceptions of child rearing and disciplinary practices create additional burden during the assessment process. Authorities struggle to meet the needs of migrant origin families.
Description of the problem
A variety of universal, selective and indicative parenting support programmes are available. While these have been shown to be effective also among persons of migrant origin, cultural adaptation has also been suggested to increase the benefits. Any adaptation to a trial-tested programme may, however, impact its integrity. To avoid this, a separate culturally sensitive Being a Parent in Finland programme was developed to complement other parenting interventions and supporting services offered by the health and social welfare authorities. Intervention was developed as part of the Barnahus project coordinated by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.
Results
The aim of the Being a Parent in Finland psychoeducational group programme is to increase the wellbeing and safety of children through group-based parental support. The programme consists of three two-hour meetings offered to parents of children aged 3 to 12 years. The main themes include the Finnish service system, parenting practices that support the child's development and wellbeing and wellbeing of the family as well as children's rights. Psychoeducational videos were produced as supportive material. Groups of maximum 8-10 participants are led by trained instructors, assisted by professional interpreters.
Lessons
The programme will be piloted by the city of Helsinki, with the first two groups starting in May 2021. Experiences and lessons learned from these groups will be presented. Impact assessment of the programme and will be launched in autumn 2021.
Key messages
While culturally sensitive adaptations may increase positive outcomes of parental programmes, there is a risk for compromising programme integrity, leading to minimized or even adverse consequences. Being a parent in Finland aims at supporting the wellbeing and safety of families through culturally sensitive psychoeducative groups administered as complementary support measure to other services.
Being a parent in Finland: a culturally-tailored psychoeducative parental support programme