Practical support for attendance

Practical support for families to participate in the program can overcome barriers to attendance and engagement.

How can it be implemented?

Practical support activities include the provision of transport, childcare meals and incentives such as gift voucher raffles.

Who is the target group?

This flexible activity has been implemented with several different target groups. Key characteristics include:

• First time mothers who are vulnerable in some way, for example young mothers, single mothers, and families of low socioeconomic status.
• Families at risk, using indicators such as education level, single parenthood, employment, history of abuse or neglect, potential for violence, and a history of mental illness, criminality, and drug abuse.
• Universal.
• Culturally diverse communities.

What programs conduct this activity?

Nurse-Family Partnership: Sometimes mothers are offered transport to prenatal check-ups and well-child visits at health clinics.

Healthy Steps for Young Children: A telephone line for non-emergency developmental concerns.

HeadStart: Provision of childcare is core to program design.

Relief Nursery Program: Other services are provided as needed, including respite care and transportation to and from services. Food is provided.

ParentCorps: Meals are provided. Childcare and a creative arts group are provided for children. A gift card raffle is used to maintain parents’ motivation to attend the sessions.

Further resources