Working with Parents of Young People

This book is aimed at practitioners who work to support parents of young people aged 11 years and over.

The field of parenting has shifted from relative obscurity to the public arena during the past decade. The introduction summarises these changes and discusses a number of models for supporting the parents of teenagers.

The authors have conducted a considerable amount of research, in partnership with the Trust for the Study of Adolescence, to identify ways in which parents of teenagers can be best supported. They bring together key research on subjects such as transition to secondary schools, providing information and mentoring.

This research is helpful to practitioners in several ways: detailing the methodology for the research projects, providing evidence of what works and what doesn't, and encouraging the development of good practice.

The authors have a lot of experience in research and evaluation and much can be learned from their project outcomes and recommendations. Although the projects are small scale, the studies are thorough and often comparative, thus providing a good starting point for future engagement with parents.

I would refer to this text when considering how best to support parents of adolescents in any setting, but most of all it is useful for advising on partnership working with schools. The book will no doubt help workers to avoid pitfalls, improve and share practice and, ultimately, secure better outcomes for parents, teenagers, families, schools and communities.