What should we tell the children?

Role: Project co-lead (with Dr Julie Bayley, University of Lincoln)

Funder: Coventry teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT)

Dates: 2004-2005

Background

The value of parents in promoting safe sexual and relationship functioning has been recognised within national sexual health policy over recent decades (National strategy for sexual health and

HIV, Department of Health, 2001; A framework for sexual health improvement in England, Department of Health, 2013). Evidence suggests that targeted programmes with intensive parental involvement can modify adolescents' sexual behaviour (Wight & Fullerton, 2013). In 2004, we were commissioned by Coventry teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT) to develop a programme to increase the quantity and quality of parent-child communication and sex and relationships.

What did we do?

The programme was developed using Intervention Mapping, a framework for developing interventions grounded in evidence and the needs of the target audience. Methods included consultation with community partners (five meetings throughout the development period), a review of existing programmes, a literature review (to identify enabling and reinforcing factors for parent-child communication), and three focus groups with a total of 32 parents (from a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds).

What did we find?

The intervention ('What Should We Tell the Children about Sex and Relationships?') is for parents of 5-14 year olds. It consists of six facilitator-led sessions that targets parents attitudes, knowledge, communication skills and self-efficacy. Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes and involves both individual and group exercises. To guide delivery, a facilitator’s pack was produced containing all of the required information and resources to deliver the programme. A parent's portfolio was also developed containing brief information on what to expect of each session, factsheets, a glossary of terms, and sources of further information and advice.

Impact

On completion, the commissioners were provided with a guide to programme rollout to facilitate future adoption and sustainability. This was developed through consultation with parents and the community partnership group. To enable ongoing process and outcome evaluation, commissioners were also provided with the following materials: pre, post and 3-month follow-up surveys for completion by parents, and session checklist and feedback forms for completion by facilitators. The programme was initially implemented by the PCT before being adopted by the Mother's Union (a Christian organisation supporting marriage and family life). Between 2006 and 2014, over 400 parents completed the course. Parents reported that as a result of the course they were more confident in discussing sexual health matters with their children (97% reported being more likely to talk to their children about relationships and sex). This project was featured in a REF 2014 impact case study singled out has having 'elements of outstanding impact'.

Publications

Newby, K., Bayley, J., and Wallace, L.M. (2011) ‘What Should We Tell the Children About Relationships and Sex? © Development of a programme for parents using intervention mapping’. Health Promotion Practice 12(2), 209. Doi:10.1177/1524839909341028