We are delighted to announce a new edition of the Parents Plus ADHD Children’s Programme manual. Drawing on feedback from trained facilitators and parents who completed the programme, the new edition comes with:
Additional handouts, worksheets, videos and posters
An expanded full colour standalone manual that not longer requires the PPCP manual for delivery.
Additional content on working with ADHD families from a neurodiversity affirming, strengths-based perspective.
Come along to one of our webinars Monday 10th Feb at 2-3pm or Friday 14th Feb at 10-11am, to find out more about the Parents Plus ADHD Children’s Programme and the new edition. Places are free but you must register in advance.
If you have already trained in the ADHD programme, the new Facilitator’s manual can be purchased at a discounted price of 50 euro. The new manual can be used with the the original Parent book.
If you have not yet trained, the next full PP-ADHD programme training starts on the 26th March 2025.
We are delighted to announce our Facilitator Training Schedule at Parents Plus for 2025, offering you an opportunity to build on your skills and enhance your service’s capacity to make a positive impact in the lives of the families you support.
Our scheduled training takes place online. Additional training dates will be scheduled and shared as the year progresses. You can expect the following from Parents Plus Facilitator Training:
Short morning sessions delivered online (with regular screen breaks) over several days, making it convenient to participate while managing your other work commitments.
Practical skills from experienced trainers in solution-focused group work, proven to enhance parent engagement, reduce waiting lists, and lead to better outcomes for families.
Access to a supportive community of practice, providing a space for continuous learning and development even after the training ends.
Affordable training with a purpose. As a charity, all profits from training and materials are reinvested into developing new programmes to meet evolving family needs and sponsoring training and mentoring for services with limited-funding supporting high-need families.
Parents Plus Early Years Programme Facilitator Training
Promoting attachment, learning and well-being for parents of children aged 1 to 6 years.
The Parents Plus Early Years programme (PPEY) is a practical, solution-focused and evidence-based course that builds on parent strengths. It can be delivered over 6-12 sessions to groups of parents or to individual families. The Early Years Programme can be delivered as a universal programme for parents of children aged 1 to 6 years including those with additional needs such as ADHD, Autism, and other developmental differences.
Training takes place online over five mornings from 9.15am to 1.30pm on 24th, 25th, 27th February and 3rd and 4th March 2025.
Parents Plus Early Years Programme One Module Training in Core Delivery takes place on online on 23rd January 2025 from 9:15am-1:30pm. This training is only open to facilitators previously trained in the Parents Plus Early Years Programme.
Parents Plus Children’s Programme Facilitator Training
Promoting attachment, learning and well-being for parents of children aged 6-12 years
The Parents Plus Children’s programme is a practical, solution-focused and evidence-based course that builds on parent strengths. It can be delivered over 6-12 sessions to groups of parents or to individual families.
The Children’s Programme can be delivered as a universal programme for parents of children aged 6-12 years including those dealing with additional emotional and behavioural concerns.
Training takes place online over five mornings from 9.15am to 1pm on 5th, 6th, 7th, 10th & 11th March 2025.
Addressing the particular needs of parents of children with ADHD aged 6 to 12 years
The Parents Plus ADHD Children’s programme (PP-ADHD) is a practical, solution-focused and evidence-based course that builds on parent strengths. It can be delivered over 8 sessions to groups of parents or to individual families.
Training takes place online over five mornings from 9.15am to 1:30pm on 26th, 27th, 28th, 31st March and 1st April 2025.
Parents Plus Adolescent Programme Facilitator Training
Promoting effective communication and positive relationships, for parents of adolescents aged 11 to 16 years.
The Parents Plus Adolescents programme is a practical, solution-focused and evidence-based course that builds on parent strengths. It can be delivered over 6-12 sessions to groups of parents or to individual families.
The Adolescents Programme can be delivered as a universal programme for parents of adolescents aged 11-16 years including those dealing with additional emotional and behavioural concerns.
Training takes place online over five mornings from 9.15am to 1pm on 24th, 25th, 26th February and 3rd and 4th March 2025.
Parents Plus Special Needs Programme Facilitator Training
Addressing the particular needs of parents of adolescents with an intellectual disability.
The Parents Plus Special Needs programme (PPSN) is a practical, solution-focused and evidence-based course that builds on parent strengths. It can be delivered over 7 sessions to groups of parents or to individual families.
The Special Needs Programme is suitable for parents who are raising an older child or adolescent with a mild, moderate or severe intellectual disability, and who may also have a diagnosis, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or a physical disability.
Training takes place online over four mornings from 9.15am to 1:15pm on 26th, 27th February and 3rd & 4th March 2025.
Parents Plus Working Things Out Facilitator Training
Promoting positive mental health and teaching coping skills to adolescents.
The Working Things Out Programme is a practical, solution-focused and evidence-based course that builds on adolescent’s strengths. Drawing on the principles of CBT, and illustrated by the stories of real young people, it can be delivered over 8 sessions to groups of adolescents and to individual young people.
The Working Things Out Programme can be delivered both as a preventative youth mental health programme to promote positive coping, and as an intervention for young people with identified mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression or self-harm.
Training takes place online over three mornings from 9.15am to 1:30pm on 21st, 22nd & 23rd January 2025.
Parents Plus Parenting When Separated Facilitator Training
Supporting parents who are preparing for, going through or have gone through a separation or divorce.
The Parents Plus Parenting When Separated Programme is a practical, solution-focused and evidence-based course that builds on parent strengths. It can be delivered over six sessions, to groups of parents or to individual parents.
The Parenting When Separated Programme is suitable for fathers and mothers as well as residential and non-residential parents.
Training takes place online over three mornings from 9.15am to 1:30pm on 6th, 7th & 13th February 2025.
Parents Plus Healthy Families Programme Facilitator Training
Promoting positive relationships, and family well-being for parents of children aged 0-12 years
The Parents Plus Healthy Families programme (PPHF) is a practical, solution-focused and evidence-based course that builds on parent strengths. It can be delivered over 8 sessions to groups of parents or to individual families.
The Healthy Families Programme can be delivered as a universal programme for parents of babies and young children aged 0-12 years, with an emphasis on establishing healthy habits that promote family health and well-being.
Training takes place online over four mornings on 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st March 2025.
Parents Plus trainer and supervisor Karin Todd shares her insights for supporting parents who feel stuck, despondent, or ready to give up.
Parents attending a Parents Plus programme are often under pressure and managing multiple challenges. They may believe they’ve tried it all and nothing works! It’s understandable that they can feel a bit stuck in their situation. Your role as a skilled Parents Plus facilitator can make an important difference in their experience of the programme. With the right support, parents can stay committed to and try out new ideas at home.
Here are eight key strategies to help you keep a despondent parent engaged throughout the programme:
1. Set Clear, Positive Goals
Before the programme begins, take time to meet with the parent for the all-important goal-setting session. Setting some positive, achievable goals for attending helps to motivate and focus a parent on the changes they want to see in their family.
2. Build Rapport Early and Often
From your first phone contact and goal setting meeting, through to your weekly group sessions, facilitators are tasked with creating a welcoming and non-judgemental space where trusting relationships flourish. These supportive relationships keep parents coming each week!
3. Highlight Their Strengths
What is already going well for this parent? What works for them and their child? When do they cope well?. Focusing on their strengths fosters a sense of progress and hope, helping them to feel more positive about the changes they’re working towards.
4. Encourage Group Support
The support of other parents in the group can be uplifting for a struggling participant.
Giving others in the group opportunities to empathise with their fellow-parent and offer support, ideas, reassurance is more powerful than anything we can say as a facilitator.
5. Use Parent Session Review Forms
Taking time to review parents feedback each week can indicate if a parent is feeling despondent or at risk of drop-out. Are they feeling supported and understood by their facilitators and peers? If they are not clearly answering yes, then what might they need more of? If a parent shows signs of disengagement, check in to see what additional support they may need. Are they benefiting from the content, or would something different help them achieve their goals?
6. Check in Between Sessions
A quick call or message between sessions is a great way to support a struggling parent to stay engaged. We can offer advice or signposting if relevant but often a listening ear and the fact that you took the time to reach out makes all the difference when they are thinking about coming to the next session.
7. Offer Tailored Family Sessions
For parents facing specific challenges, use family sessions to coach them through problem-solving techniques. This personalised support can help them overcome barriers and stay motivated to apply new strategies at home.
8. Emphasise Self-Care
Self-care is an important thread through each weekly session. Supporting parents to assess how they are caring for themselves as well as their families is an investment of your group’s time. It can assist parents to identify meaningful ways to sustain their well-being not just for the duration of your programme but throughout their parenting journey. So that in times of despondence they can draw on supports and practices that will see them through.
For more tips on facilitating group sessions or to enhance your group facilitation skills, explore the resources in our Parents Plus members area! If you would like to train as a Parents Plus facilitator, find out more about our programmes.
Karin Todd is a Parents Plus trainer and supervisor and is an experienced facilitator of our evidence-based programmes. Her professional background includes youth and community work, service management and therapeutic family work. Karin has a special interest in adolescent psychotherapy and in the family experience of parental separation and loss. She currently works n a community-based setting as a family support practitioner.
We are delighted to announce the return of the Parents Plus ‘Innovations in Practice’ Conference. Join us onlineon the morning of Wednesday, 13 November 2024 – 9.15 AM to 11.30 AM.
Be Inspired: Learn from leading practitioners pioneering new approaches in delivering Parents Plus programmes. Engage with best practice case studies from a variety of sectors including Family Resource Centres, Children’s Disability services and CAMHS. Leave motivated to apply these insights in your own practice.
Be Informed: Hear about the latest meta-analysis of the Parents Plus evidence base and discover new research findings on the Parents Plus Healthy Families programme.
Make an Impact: You will also have the opportunity to engage with colleagues from across sectors through interactive breakout sessions. Exchange ideas and discuss the challenges of effectively implementing parent programmes.
Whether you are already delivering Parents Plus programmes in your service or are new to our community, this interecative online session is open to you. This is a fully sponsored Parents Plus event and free to attend.
Follow Parents Plus on LinkedIn for further conference updates.
Here is an overview of the programme:
9.15
‘Innovations in Practice’ – Welcome and Context Prof. John Sharry, Clinical Director, Parents Plus
9.20
‘New Parents Plus Evidence – Meta-analysis (2023) & recent Parents Plus Healthy Families Programme Research’ Prof. Alan Carr, School of Psychology, University College Dublin
9.45
‘A preventative approach for the Management of Overweight and Obesity within the context of the Health Service Executive Model of Care – The Parents Plus Healthy Families Programme Dr. Kathy Looney, Assistant Professor, School of Psychology, University College Dublin & Dr. Adele Keating, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Our Lady’s Children Hospital Crumlin
10.00
‘Working in Partnership with Parents in delivering the Healthy Families Programme’ in St. Kevin’s Family Resource Centre, Kilnamanagh, Dublin Yvonne Anderson, Family Support Manager & Healthy Families Facilitator Samantha Byrne, Family Support Practitioner & Healthy Families Facilitator
10.15
Interactive breakout session – working together in small online discussion groups addressing topics and challenges in implementing Parent Programmes.
10.35
’A collaborative approach to supporting parents in separation and divorce – the Midwest Family Resource Centre Network, Parenting When Separated Project’ Ciara Kane, CEO, Northside Family Resource Centre, Limerick
10.50
’Embracing neuro-affirming practice through the Parents Plus ADHD programme’ Lisa Whitlock, Parent Support Team – Lead Coordinator, Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
11.05
‘Flexibility in delivery to meet the needs of families – Parents Plus Special Needs Programme with a younger age cohort’ Liza Kelly and Sinéad Wearan, HSE Children’s Disability Network Team practitioners
11.20
Closing commentsand FeedbackProf. John Sharry, Clinical Director, Parents Plus
Professor Alan Carr is founding director of the UCD doctoral programme in clinical psychology. He has a couple and family therapy practice at the Clanwilliam Institute where he treats individuals couples and families with a range of psychological challenges across the lifespan. His research programme at UCD focuses on clinical psychology, family therapy, parent training, and positive psychology. He has produced over 25 books and 250 papers and presentations.
Dr Kathy Looney
Dr Kathy Looney is an Assistant Professor at University College Dublin and a Senior Clinical Psychologist at Children’s Health Ireland, Temple Street working in the Healthy Living with CHI Child and Adolescent Complex Obesity Service. Dr Looney has co-supervised research on the Parents Plus Healthy Families Programme. In her presentation Dr Looney will discuss the importance of the programme as a preventative approach to childhood overweight and obesity.
Dr Adele Keating
Dr Adele Keating is co-author of the Parents Plus Healthy Families Programme and a Senior Clinical Psychologist in the Endocrinology Department in Children’s Health Ireland, where she works with children with obesity. In the presentation, Dr Keating will give an overview of the Healthy Families content and discuss the research rationale behind the programme content.
Samantha Byrne
Samantha Byrne is an Early Years Educator on the management team in St Kevin’s Family Resource Centre Childcare. She has a wealth of experience working with children under five having worked in the Early years sector for over 17 years. She is passionate about providing first class quality childcare to all children and working in partnership with parents. Samantha is an accredited Parents Plus Healthy Families Facilitator. “One of the many positives of facilitating the Parents Plus Healthy Families programme is seeing first-hand the benefits of this programme for the participating families.”
Ciara Kane
Ciara Kane is CEO of Northside Family Resource Centre, a prominent FRC located in Limerick City, whose mission is to provide safe, welcoming, and supportive opportunities. She holds a Master’s Degree in Community Development from the University of Galway and postgraduate qualifications in conflict intervention and family mediation. Ciara has a deep understanding of the complex challenges faced by parents living in deprivation and poverty. Using a collaborative, grassroots, and solutions approach, she is committed to providing support and advocacy to families, empowering them to create sustainable and positive changes in their lives.
Lisa Whitlock
Lisa Whitlock has worked alongside parents for over 20 years, starting off in community playgroups then later moving into CAMHS delivering a range of parent groups. Her hope is to empower parents to understand their child and be present with them, acknowledging there is no “rule book”. Lisa manages the Parent Support Team in Gloucestershire CAMHS where up to 12 Parents Plus programmes a year are delivered. She is also a facilitator and trainer for the Parents Plus ADHD Children Programme. Lisa has two adult children and a three-year-old grandson.
Liza Kelly
Liza Kelly works in a Children Disability Network Team in Co. Laois where she facilitates the Parents Plus Special Needs programme, creating a safe space for parents to share their experiences and learn from one another. She has worked in the intellectual disability field for 30 years, starting her career in Stewarts Hospital Palmerstown, supporting young adults to live in a self-directed way, making their own choices. Following this as an advocacy officer in Inclusion Ireland, developing and promoting self-advocacy locally, nationally and at European level and with Muiriosa Foundation in Laois creating new services for school leavers with varying support needs. She is a mother of 3 teenage boys, a yoga teacher, and loves being outdoors.
Sinéad Wearan
Sinéad Wearan is currently a Trainee Educational Psychologist. After spending 22 years serving in the Irish Defence Forces, Sinéad undertook a BA(Hons) Degree in Psychology, followed by an MSc in Autism in Queens University Belfast. She followed this with a HDip in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Sinéad has worked as an Assistant Psychologist in Primary Care before moving to the Children’s Disability Network Team as a Behaviour Therapist. It was in this role that she trained as a Parents Plus Special Needs facilitator, recognising the benefits immediately with families but also acknowledging this course could also serve parents of children with intellectual disability under the age of 10.
Yvonne Anderson
Yvonne Anderson is a Project Manager at St Kevins family resource centre. She started her career working in the Garda Youth Diversion programne with young people and their families involved or at risk of becoming involved in anti-social/criminal activity. In her current role she coordinates services for families including play therapy, counselling, family support, education, childhood bereavement and parental separation. She has a keen interest in development of people and working alongside them in their journey.
Parenting is a complex journey where guiding children through their early years demands a mix of love, understanding, and practical strategies.
The evidence based Parents Plus Children’s Programme offers a comprehensive approach to nurturing positive family dynamics. As a facilitator of this impactful programme, professionals are equipped with the tools to empower parents to navigate the complexities of child-rearing with confidence.
About the programme
At its core, the Parents Plus Children’s Programme is designed to address the multifaceted needs of families. By training as a facilitator, you gain insight into effective methods to support parents in managing behaviour and emotional challenges, thus fostering an environment where children can thrive emotionally and socially. The programme emphasises the importance of building self-esteem and confidence in children, laying a strong foundation for their development.
One of the programme’s critical components is its focus on reducing parental stress. By providing parents with practical problem-solving skills and strategies to establish positive daily routines, the programme alleviates the pressures of parenting. This proactive approach not only benefits the parents but also contributes to a harmonious family life.
Moreover, the Parents Plus Children’s Programme encourages the development of connected and close family relationships. Facilitators are trained to guide parents in engaging with their children in meaningful ways, thereby enhancing the family bond. Additionally, the programme places a significant emphasis on encouraging children’s learning and school work, recognising the pivotal role of education in a child’s life.
Who is the training for?
The facilitator training is designed to cater to a wide range of professionals who are in a position to make an impact on the lives of families.
This includes:
HSE Primary Care Teams (Psychologists, Social Workers, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Public Health Nurses)
Professionals from Family Resource Centres, Children and Young People’s Services Committees, and Home School Liaison Officers (HSCL), TESS
Primary School Teachers, TUSLA Parenting Support Champions Project, and TUSLA Child and Family Agency Teams
Regional Parent support networks and Area Based Childhood Programmes
This diverse audience underscores the programme’s versatility and its capacity to be applied across various settings.
Proven Impact
The efficacy of the Parents Plus Children’s Programme is not merely theoretical but is backed by tangible outcomes observed in primary schools, mental health, and disability settings.
Families who have participated in the programme report significant improvements in their children’s social behaviour and a reduction in behaviour and emotional problems. Perhaps most importantly, the programme has been shown to decrease parental stress and increase parental confidence, which are critical components of a healthy family dynamic.
The Parents Plus Children’s Programme stands out as an important tool for professionals dedicated to supporting families. By training as a facilitator, you are not just imparting knowledge; you are fostering resilience, understanding, and connection within families.
The next Parents Plus Children’s Programme training takes place online via Zoom on the 17th, 18th, 19th, 22nd and 23rd April 2024 (9.15am-1pm).
The Parents Plus Programmes are practical, evidence-based parenting and mental health courses that are designed to be delivered by professionals who work with families.
Backed by over 25 years of research, our programmes have proven benefits for families, including those dealing with disadvantage, disability and mental health problems, as well as the normal ups and downs of family life.
All profits from sales of programme training and supervision is re-invested in developing new evidence-based programmes to respond to the evolving needs of families, and to sponsor facilitator training and supports of services with limited budgets, who work with high need families.
Below is a full list of upcoming facilitator training programmes.
The Early Years Programme:
13th, 14th, 15th 20th & 21st May 2024 (9am-1.30pm)
The Early Years Programme is a comprehensive training course for professionals working with young children and families. Gain practical tools and evidence-based techniques to empower parents to strengthen parent-child relationships, nurture social and emotional well-being, increase school readiness, and positively address behaviours that can challenge.
The Special Needs Programme:
17th, 19th & 20th June 2024 (9am-1.30pm)
This first-in-the-world evidence-based programme for families rearing an adolescent with an intellectual disability was created to help parents to manage challenges, improve their family’s well-being and strengthen their links with other parents. Through training in the Special Needs Programme, you will learn how to empower parents to positively manage the many hidden challenges that can be common for parents raising an adolescent with an intellectual disability, as well as improve the well-being of all family members and prepare young people for future transitions and adulthood.
The Working Things Out Programme:
5th, 6th & 7th June 2024 (9.15am-1.30pm)
Prepare to support children and adolescents facing social, emotional, and behavioural challenges with the Working Things Out Programme. Discover effective interventions and strategies to enhance emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, communication techniques, and resilience. Foster positive decision-making, conflict resolution, and healthy relationships. Collaborate with families and schools to create a supportive environment that promotes growth and well-being.
The Parenting When Separated Programme:
18th, 25th and 26th April 2024 (9.15am-1.30pm)
Join the Parenting When Separated Programme and gain the skills to support parents going through separation or divorce. Learn to navigate the challenges of co-parenting, promote effective communication, manage conflicts, and create child-centred environments. Empower parents to develop parenting plans, establish consistent routines, and foster positive parent-teacher relationships. Collaboration with schools and professionals is emphasized for a comprehensive approach.
The Children’s ADHD Programme:
18th, 19th, 22nd, 24th & 26th April 2024 (9am-1pm)
Become a champion in supporting children with ADHD and their families through the Children’s ADHD Programme. Gain an in-depth understanding of ADHD, its impact, and evidence-based interventions. Equip yourself with practical tools to improve attention, impulse control, and behaviour. Foster self-regulation skills, social interactions, and academic success. Collaboration with parents, schools, and multidisciplinary teamwork is key to promoting positive outcomes.
The Adolescents Programme:
11th, 12th, 15th, 16th & 17th April 2024 (9.15am-1pm)
Embark on a journey to support the social, emotional, and behavioural development of adolescents through the Adolescents Programme. Explore effective communication, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and resilience-building strategies. Foster positive relationships, healthy decision-making, and coping skills.
Collaborate with parents, schools, and professionals to create a supportive environment for teenagers to thrive.
The Healthy Families Programme:
26th and 27th September & 3rd and 4th October 2024 (9am-1.30pm)
The Healthy Families Programme equips professionals with the skills to support families in promoting positive parenting, communication, and overall well-being. Enhance your understanding of family dynamics, parent-child relationships, and effective discipline techniques.
Create nurturing environments, manage conflicts, and address specific challenges. Collaborate with families, schools, and community resources to provide comprehensive support.
Parents Plus Children’s Programme:
19th, 20th, 21st, 24th & 25th June 2024 (9.15am-1pm)
It takes a village to raise a child. You can prepare the children that you work with for tomorrow by creating strong partnerships with their parents today. This programme is practical, solution-focused and draws on parents strengths. It is suitable for parents of children aged 6-11 years, including children with additional needs.
The programme is flexible and can be delivered to small groups or with individuals over 6-12 weeks.
If you would like to train in one of our programmes, learn about our group discounts or discover how we can support you to improve outcomes for children, adolescents and families, please contact our Impact Lead, Vicki Byrne at vicki@parentsplus.ie
We also deliver onsite training and supervision of teams (15 or more), and/or tailored support in the roll-out and evaluation of our programmes to ensure effective community-wide delivery.
Our evidence-based programmes for professionals who work in Community, Health, Education and Disability services, are backed by over 26 years of research and have proven benefits for families.
In the last 10 years alone, we have supported over 1,000 organisations, in Ireland and internationally, to create sustainable change in their service delivery, strengthening over 100,000 families.
Our programmes’ training and supervision are suitable for a range of professionals working in services such as HSE Primary Care, CAMHS, Family Resource Centres, Disability, Education (EWS, HSCL, SCP, Primary and Secondary) as well as Youth Services.
Below are upcoming programme training dates available to book. From the early years to adolescence, ADHD and Special Needs, or parenting when separated, our wide range of proven programmes will empower you to improve outcomes for children and families and enhance your service delivery.
The ADHD programme is a new modified version of the evidence based Parents Plus Children’s programme that addresses the needs of parents of children with ADHD aged 6-12 years. The programme is flexible and can be delivered to small groups or with individuals over 8-12 weeks.
To deliver the ADHD programme you must first train in the Parents Plus Children’s Programme* Then you can complete a special two module training in the ADHD programme
The training focuses on: – Developing an in-depth understanding of the needs of families with a child with ADHD – Delivering the programme via face-to-face and online sessions, to groups and individual families – Providing opportunities to observe and practise the skills to become a solution-focused facilitator – Building on parents strengths as a basis for ongoing change – Strengthening inter-agency and community partnerships
Parenting When Separated Programme Training for Professionals Our Parenting When Separated facilitator training is practical and solution-focused and will provide you with the essential skills and learning to achieve the best outcomes for the parents and families who attend your service.
The training focuses on: – Developing an in-depth understanding of this programme delivering the programme via face-to-face and online sessions to groups and individual families – Providing opportunities to observe and practise the skills to become a solution-focused facilitator – Building on parents’ strengths as a basis for ongoing change – Strengthening inter-agency and community partnerships
Working Things Out – Youth Mental Health Programme Training for Professionals The Working Things Out facilitator training is practical and solution-focused and will provide you with the essential skills and learning to achieve the best outcomes for the adolescents who attend your service.
The training focuses on: – Developing an in-depth understanding of this programme – Delivering the programme via face-to-face and online sessions to groups and individual young people – Providing opportunities to observe and practise the skills to become a solution-focused facilitator – Building on parents strengths as a basis for ongoing change – Strengthening inter-agency and community partnerships
The Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training For Professionals
The Parents Plus Children’s Programme is practical and solution-focused. It will provide you with the essential skills and learning to achieve the best outcomes for the parents and families who attend your services.
The training focuses on: – Developing an in-depth understanding of this programme – Delivering the programme via face-to-face and online sessions, to groups and individual families – Providing opportunities to observe and practise the skills to become a solution-focused facilitator – Building on parent’s strengths as a basis for ongoing change – Strengthening inter-agency and community partnerships
The Parents Plus Adolescents Programme Training For Professionals
The teenage years can be a challenging time for many families. Helping parents develop warm relationships with their teenagers reduces conflict and supports them to grow up as well-adjusted and happy adults.
The training focuses on the following: – Developing an in-depth understanding of this programme delivering the programme via face-to-face and online sessions to groups and individual families – Providing opportunities to observe and practise the skills to become a solution-focused facilitator – Building on parents’ strengths as a basis for ongoing change – Strengthening inter-agency and community partnerships
The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme Training For Professionals
Parents of children with an intellectual disability can face significant challenges, especially during the adolescent years. With our Special Needs Programme, you can support parents to manage these challenges, improve their family’s well-being and strengthen their links with other parents.
The training focuses on the following: – Developing an in-depth understanding of this programme – Delivering the programme via face-to-face and online sessions to groups and individual families – Providing opportunities to observe and practise the skills to become a solution-focused facilitator – Building on parents’ strengths as a basis for ongoing change – Strengthening inter-agency and community partnerships
Additional InformationTo discuss how you can achieve the best outcomes in your agency and to discuss commissioning our training and make bookings please go to www.parentsplus.ie or contact +353 1 8545185 / or email vicki@parentsplus.ie for further info.
As part of our evidence-based programme training packages, you will receive two free supervision sessions post-training, to support you further in improving outcomes for children and families. We also provide a range of post-training supports for facilitators and agencies who have trained in one of our professional programmes to ensure sustainable and effective delivery of the programmes within their services.Visit our website to see our latest Group Supervision Dates or learn what is involved in Group Supervision/Peer Learning Sessions.
This is an opportunity for organisations and professionals working with families and children in mental health, education, disabilities, community, and healthcare settings to explore our suite of 8 evidence-based programmes designed to empower and create a sustainable positive impact.
View (or download) our Spring 2024 Training Brochure below –
Over 25 Years of Empowering Families: Backed by over 25 years of extensive research, our programmes have proven benefits for families navigating through various challenges including disadvantage, disability, mental health problems, and the usual ups and downs of family life. We are dedicated to providing tools and knowledge to professionals that fosters resilience, well-being, and stronger bonds for the families and children they support.
Creating Sustainable Change: In the last decade alone, we have partnered with over 1,000 organisations both in Ireland and internationally, contributing to the strengthening of over 100,000 families and creating sustainable change in service delivery.
Diverse Range of Programmes: Our programmes cover a broad spectrum, addressing the unique needs and challenges families face. From nurturing the early years to supporting adolescence, managing ADHD and Special Needs, and assisting parenting through separation, we offer tailored solutions to improve outcomes for children and families.
Reinvesting in the Future: All profits from our programme training and supervision are reinvested to develop new evidence-based initiatives and sponsor facilitator training for services working with high-need families. Our continuous effort is to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of families and ensure that support is accessible to those with limited resources.
Join Us in Making a Difference: Whether you are looking to enhance your service delivery or seeking ways to allocate your remaining 2023 budget meaningfully, collaborating with Parents Plus will undoubtedly contribute to a lasting positive impact.
The Early Years Programme: Unlock the Potential of Solution Focused Practice –
January Dates FULLY BOOKED
New dates added 5th, 6th, 7th, 13th & 14th March 2024
The Early Years Programme is a comprehensive training course for professionals working with young children and families. Gain practical tools and evidence-based techniques to empower parents to strengthen parent-child relationships, nurture social and emotional well-being, increase school readiness, and positively address behaviours that can challenge.
The Special Needs Programme: Supporting Parents to manage challenges –
February Dates FULLY BOOKED
Next dates 15th, 17th & 18 April 2024 (9am-1.30pm)
This first-in-the-world evidence based programme for families rearing an adolescent with an intellectual disability was created to help parents to manage challenges, improve their family’s well-being and strengthen their links with other parents. Through training in the Special Needs Programme, you will learn how to empower parents to positively manage the many hidden challenges that can be common for parents raising an adolescent with an intellectual disability, as well as improve the well-being of all family members and prepare young people for future transitions and adulthood.
The Working Things Out Programme: Empower Children and Adolescents to Thrive –
January Dates FULLY BOOKED
Next dates9th, 10th & 12th April 2024 (9.15am-1.30pm)
Prepare to support children and adolescents facing social, emotional, and behavioural challenges with the Working Things Out Programme. Discover effective interventions and strategies to enhance emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, communication techniques, and resilience. Foster positive decision-making, conflict resolution, and healthy relationships. Collaborate with families and schools to create a supportive environment that promotes growth and well-being.
The Parenting When Separated Programme: Navigating the Journey Together –
February Dates FULLY BOOKED
Next dates 18th, 25th and 26th April 2024 (9.15am-1.30pm)
Join the Parenting When Separated Programme and gain the skills to support parents going through separation or divorce. Learn to navigate the challenges of co-parenting, promote effective communication, manage conflicts, and create child-centred environments. Empower parents to develop parenting plans, establish consistent routines, and foster positive parent-teacher relationships. Collaboration with schools and professionals is emphasized for a comprehensive approach.
The Children’s ADHD Programme: Thriving Beyond Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder –
19th, 20th, 21st, 26th & 27th February 2024 (9am-1pm)
and
18th, 19th, 22nd, 24th & 26th April 2024 (9.15am-1.30pm)
Become a champion in supporting children with ADHD and their families through the Children’s ADHD Programme. Gain an in-depth understanding of ADHD, its impact, and evidence-based interventions. Equip yourself with practical tools to improve attention, impulse control, and behaviour. Foster self-regulation skills, social interactions, and academic success. Collaboration with parents, schools, and multidisciplinary teamwork is key to promoting positive outcomes.
The Adolescents Programme: Empowering Teenagers for Success –
January Dates FULLY BOOKED
New dates 11th, 12th, 15th, 16th & 17th April 2024 (9.15am-1pm)
Embark on a journey to support the social, emotional, and behavioural development of adolescents through the Adolescents Programme. Explore effective communication, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and resilience-building strategies. Foster positive relationships, healthy decision-making, and coping skills. Collaborate with parents, schools, and professionals to create a supportive environment for teenagers to thrive.
The Healthy Families Programme: Nurturing Strong and Resilient Families –
14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd March 2024 (9am-1.30pm)
The Healthy Families Programme equips professionals with the skills to support families in promoting positive parenting, communication, and overall well-being. Enhance your understanding of family dynamics, parent-child relationships, and effective discipline techniques. Create nurturing environments, manage conflicts, and address specific challenges. Collaborate with families, schools, and community resources to provide comprehensive support.
17th, 18th, 19th, 22nd and 23rd April 2024 (9.15am-1pm)
It takes a village to raise a child. You can prepare the children that you work with for tomorrow by creating strong partnerships with their parents today. This programme is practical, solution-focused and draws on parents strengths. It is suitable for parents of children aged 6-11 years, including children with additional needs. The programme is flexible and can be delivered to small groups or with individuals over 6-12 weeks.
Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, and make a positive impact on the lives of children, adolescents, and families. Join the Parents Plus Programme Training this Spring and become a confident and effective practitioner in your field. Unlock your potential, connect with a community of professionals, and embark on a fulfilling growth and professional development journey.
Our team of experts work closely with services across Community, Mental Health, Disability and Education, to build their capacity and skills to deliver and evaluate our proven interventions, tailored to the needs of local communities.
If you would like to discuss booking onsite training and supervision of your team (15 or more), and/or tailored support in the roll-out and evaluation of the programmes to ensure effective community-wide delivery, please contact our Impact Lead Vicki Byrne at vicki@parentsplus.ie
We have a funded accreditation opportunity that you might be interested in.
Parents Plus are offering funded Accreditation places for a limited number of practitioners (8 places in total) to complete the Accreditation process in the programme that they are trained in and deliver in their service.
The Accreditation is an additional piece of practice development CPD for trained facilitators who want to take their practice up a level and ensure the best outcomes for their families.
Benefits to you in gaining Accreditation include:
Being licensed to deliver the Parents Plus programmes independently.
Opportunity to work as a Parents Plus Supervisor to support other facilitators.
A major CPD achievement as a practitioner which is recognised by a range of professional bodies.
The steps to becoming an Accredited Parents Plus facilitator are:
1. Having completed Parents Plus facilitator training for the selected programme.
2. Facilitate at least two Parents Plus groups, following the Parents Plus Quality Protocol (including using session protocols, parent goals, session ratings and evaluations).
3. Complete the Parents Plus Supervision process, which involves a minimum of 4 supervision sessions during accreditation including video reviews of your parent group delivery.
4. Submit a practice portfolio for review by Parents Plus.
If you are planning programmes this year and are interested in taking part in this initiative, please complete and submit the short application form via the button below and we will be in touch with you to discuss it further.
Do you want to develop your professional skills and improve outcomes for children, adolescents, and families?
Look no further than the Parents Plus suite of trainings for Spring 2024.
From the early years to adult, and also supporting complex needs, each of our 8 evidenced based programmes will equip you with the skills, practical strategies, and ongoing support, to improve outcomes for the families and children you work with.
Backed by over 25 years of research, the Parents Plus programmes are important universal, early intervention, and prevention interventions, and have been developed in partnership with services and families, for services and families. Our programmes are tailored to the needs of local communities and can be delivered one-to-one, in groups or online, reaching even the most at-risk or geographically isolated families.
Parents Plus Programme training stands out for its unique blend of evidence-based approaches, practical tools, and a supportive learning environment. The training programmes provide comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge, equipping professionals with the skills to make a positive impact on children, adolescents, and families.
The Early Years Programme is a comprehensive training course for professionals working with young children and families. Gain practical tools and evidence-based techniques to empower parents to strengthen parent-child relationships, nurture social and emotional well-being, increase school readiness, and positively address behaviours that can challenge.
This first-in-the-world evidence based programme for families rearing an adolescent with an intellectual disability was created to help parents to manage challenges, improve their family’s well-being and strengthen their links with other parents. Through training in the Special Needs Programme, you will learn how to empower parents to positively manage the many hidden challenges that can be common for parents raising an adolescent with an intellectual disability, as well as improve the well-being of all family members and prepare young people for future transitions and adulthood.
Prepare to support children and adolescents facing social, emotional, and behavioural challenges with the Working Things Out Programme. Discover effective interventions and strategies to enhance emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, communication techniques, and resilience. Foster positive decision-making, conflict resolution, and healthy relationships. Collaborate with families and schools to create a supportive environment that promotes growth and well-being.
Join the Parenting When Separated Programme and gain the skills to support parents going through separation or divorce. Learn to navigate the challenges of co-parenting, promote effective communication, manage conflicts, and create child-centred environments. Empower parents to develop parenting plans, establish consistent routines, and foster positive parent-teacher relationships. Collaboration with schools and professionals is emphasized for a comprehensive approach.
Become a champion in supporting children with ADHD and their families through the Children’s ADHD Programme. Gain an in-depth understanding of ADHD, its impact, and evidence-based interventions. Equip yourself with practical tools to improve attention, impulse control, and behaviour. Foster self-regulation skills, social interactions, and academic success. Collaboration with parents, schools, and multidisciplinary teamwork is key to promoting positive outcomes.
Embark on a journey to support the social, emotional, and behavioural development of adolescents through the Adolescents Programme. Explore effective communication, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and resilience-building strategies. Foster positive relationships, healthy decision-making, and coping skills. Collaborate with parents, schools, and professionals to create a supportive environment for teenagers to thrive.
The Healthy Families Programme equips professionals with the skills to support families in promoting positive parenting, communication, and overall well-being. Enhance your understanding of family dynamics, parent-child relationships, and effective discipline techniques. Create nurturing environments, manage conflicts, and address specific challenges. Collaborate with families, schools, and community resources to provide comprehensive support.
It takes a village to raise a child. You can prepare the children that you work with for tomorrow by creating strong partnerships with their parents today. This programme is practical, solution-focused and draws on parents strengths. It is suitable for parents of children aged 6-11 years, including children with additional needs. The programme is flexible and can be delivered to small groups or with individuals over 6-12 weeks.
Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, and make a positive impact on the lives of children, adolescents, and families. Join the Parents Plus Programme Training this autumn and become a confident and effective practitioner in your field. Unlock your potential, connect with a community of professionals, and embark on a fulfilling growth and professional development journey.
Our team of experts work closely with services across Community, Mental Health, Disability and Education, to build their capacity and skills to deliver and evaluate our proven interventions, tailored to the needs of local communities.
If you would like to discuss booking onsite training and supervision of your team (15 or more), and/or tailored support in the roll-out and evaluation of the programmes to ensure effective community-wide delivery, please contact our Impact Lead Vicki Byrne at vicki@parentsplus.ie
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