An evaluation of the the Incredible Years BASIC Parent Training (IYP) programme was undertaken to assess its effectiveness as an intervention for children (aged 3-6yrs) with emotional and behavioural (EBD) difficulties. The evaluation involved three separate, but inter-related, sub-studies including (1) an experimental study (or RCT); (2) a qualitative study involving interviews with a sample of parents who took part in the RCT; and (3) a detailed cost analysis. A brief summary of the outcomes of each sub-study is listed below.

Baseline data for over 140 parents were collected and analysed in early 2008. Follow-up assessments were undertaken at both six month and twelve months following training in order to determine the nature and extent of any changes in children and parents during this time. Those parents who took part in the programme were randomly allocated to either an intervention (i.e. received training) or to a waiting list control group.

1. The results of the RCT study revealed that, six months post-intervention, child outcomes for those parents in the intervention group, had significantly improved, with substantial declines in negative child behaviour. In particular, problem behaviour scores in the intervention group shifted from clinical levels at baseline to within the normal range at follow-up. Considerable improvements were also found for parenting competencies and well being following IY intervention. By contrast, children in the waiting list control group showed no significant improvements in behaviour, nor were there any changes observed in their parents.
   
   
2. The qualitative sub-study involved one-to-one interviews with a sample of parents who took part in the RCT. The qualitative analysis highlighted the improvements in the parent-child relationship and the personal benefits for parents in terms of effectively managing child misbehaviour and gaining competence and control in their parenting role. The study also identified the difficulties and challenges faced by participants throughout the programme.
   
   
3. The results of the cost-analysis sub-study revealed that the IYP programme offers a cost-effective option for reducing long-term inequalities compared to other more intensive programmes. Importantly, the benefits arising from improvements in child behaviour are likely to lead to potential cost savings and a greater return to society in terms of reduced referrals and decreased use of educational, health and welfare services.

The short-term outcomes report is now available to download in our Recent Publications section on the Homepage.

The data for the 12 month follow-ups are currently being analysed and it is expected that these results will be available in 2010.

All RCT parent training (i.e. to both groups) has now been successfully delivered by an on-the-ground team of qualified and accredited leaders/faciliators from Archways.