Understanding and supporting positive parenting during homelessness

This study aimed to develop and test the feasibility of a peer-led parenting intervention for parents living in London in temporary accommodation, seeking help with managing behavioural difficulties of a child (aged 2–11).
A structured, group-based intervention (‘Empowering Parents, Empowering Communities- Temporary Accommodation’) was delivered by peer facilitators to N=15 parents across three group cohorts. Twelve parents (80%) completed the group programme at first attempt; one parent completed on their second attempt after re-joining in a different cohort.
A mixed-method formative evaluation was used. The intervention’s feasibility was assessed in terms of attendance and completion rates (% parents completing ≥6 sessions); acceptability was assessed by satisfaction measure and qualitative participant interviews; and potential for impact was assessed by parent-reported standardised measures of child behaviour, parenting behaviour, parental wellbeing, parenting stress and social support. Reductions in child behavioural difficulties and improved parenting knowledge and practices were reported on standardised measures. Improved parental outcomes were described in qualitative interviews. Participants were highly satisfied with the intervention.
The study concluded that peer-led parenting groups are feasible and potentially effective interventions for parents living in temporary accommodation. These findings warrant further testing under controlled conditions.