$11.95 million to help positive parenting

Queensland parents will continue to have free access to the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program developed at The University of Queensland until 2020, following an $11.95 million commitment from the State Government.

Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women Di Farmer this week said the government would continue to support the free program which has helped more than 200,000 Queensland parents and carers upgrade their parenting skills.

Triple P founder Professor Matt Sanders said the continuation of free access to evidence-based parenting support would create generational change across the state.

“Parenting is a skill just like any other that can be taught, and can be learnt,” he said.

“Whether it’s learning how to get the kids to bed on time without yelling, or how to get them to behave when you’re out shopping, or just teaching kids how to get on with others, simple and mindful changes in our approach to parenting can make a big difference.”

Ms Farmer said the number of parents supported would continue to rise, with 1100 training places taken up by health, community services and education professionals over the past three years to expand the reach of the program.

“We know that every parent struggles sometimes, and some parents struggle more than most,” Ms Farmer said.

“Our support of the Triple P program is about helping Queenslanders to be the best parents they can be and take some of the stress out of parenting.”

The government funding has given parents open access to Triple P’s group, one-on-one and online parenting support programs. 

A self-help workbook with follow-up phone support is also available if proximity to a Triple P provider or lack of reliable internet access is an issue.

Ms Farmer said there was increasing awareness about the lifelong benefits of raising children in a positive parenting environment.

“Research shows children who grow up in a positive home environment are more likely to perform better at school, have better jobs, enjoy better health, have better social and emotional skills and experience more positive relationships, which is why we’ve made Triple P accessible to all families,” she said.

“Triple P is not about being the perfect parent, but about learning how to make family life more enjoyable and less stressful by parenting more effectively.”

Key statistics

• 82.2 per cent of people who have done Triple P in the past three years are female
• 20.7 per cent are single parents
• 46.9 per cent have children under 4
• 39.9 per cent have children aged 5 -11
• 13.2 per cent have children aged 12-16
• 14.9 per cent of people spoke a language other than English
• 3 per cent identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

Parents, step-parents, grandparents, carers and guardians can visit www.triplep-parenting.net to register for sessions or sign up for Triple P Online.

MEDIA: Rachel Stewart, Triple P – Parenting, 0408 130 767.