A parenting program aimed at assisting families in a suburb in north Dublin has achieved the distinction of being the sole Irish initiative endorsed by authorities in the United States.
Known as Preparing for Life, this initiative is developed by Northside Partnership, a developmental organization dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals in north-east Dublin. The program, focusing on early intervention, aids parents in honing their parenting skills and preparing their children for school. It was initially introduced in Darndale in 2007.
The program is implemented through regular home visits, complemented by comprehensive support services such as prenatal education, assistance with breastfeeding, and group sessions for parents. Additionally, it provides various other services including baby massage, evidence-based parenting courses, and speech and language programs.
Presently, eight other Irish organizations beyond Darndale offer the Preparing for Life program in locations such as Finglas and Balbriggan in Dublin; Bray in Co Wicklow; Athy and Newbridge in Co Kildare; Ballinasloe in Co Galway; Castlebar in Co Mayo; and Bagenalstown in Co Carlow.
The effectiveness of the program is underscored by its official recognition by the US Department of Health and Human Services for its distinctive approach in supporting parents. Inclusion in the Department’s Home Visiting Evidence of Effectiveness (HomVEE) list positions it as the only Irish initiative eligible for federal and state funding in the US.
Professor Orla Doyle from UCD’s Geary Institute, responsible for monitoring the service and establishing its US credentials, expressed pride in the program’s recognition. She highlighted the rigorous research and dedicated implementation team behind the initiative, emphasizing the potential for increased global adoption with its inclusion in the HomVEE list.
The program’s eligibility for federal and state funding in the US opens up opportunities for partnerships with local organizations, facilitated by Professor James Heckman, a Nobel Prize Winner in Economics at the University of Chicago. The Centre for the Economics of Human Development (CEHD) at the university selected Preparing for Life for a formal trial in the US, leading to a collaboration with Casa Central in southside Chicago to deliver the program in a predominantly Spanish-speaking community.
Niall Sexton, the program manager of Preparing for Life, expressed gratitude towards the parents and children in Darndale for their participation in the study, emphasizing the honor of being part of their parenting journey. Alison Baulos, the executive director of CEHD at the University of Chicago, commended the program’s unique approach in supporting parents through coaching and mentoring, highlighting the positive impacts on families’ lives.
For those interested in availing the service, inquiries can be directed to [email protected] or by calling 01 877-1509.