Parents value highly the support provided by parenting practitioners, especially in helping them through difficult times and in giving them practical advice on raising children. Policy makers recognise that this support is an important factor in a range of interrelated issues, such as child and adult health, education and social behaviour.
The Academy's role is to ensure policies and practices reflect the importance of high quality parenting services, and are based on evidence of what works.
We develop policy options to support the government's objectives of improving parenting services and training. At the local level, we support local authorities and voluntary organisations to develop parenting strategies, co-ordinate services and implement good parenting policy on the ground.
Our Summary report in support of strategy development examines how current local practice relates to the national aims for parenting support. The report highlights the local drivers, priorities and circumstances of the parenting workforce, and its findings will help shape the Academy's strategic plan 2008-2010.