Kids Matter is committed to research into the effectiveness of our 3 programmes. We work with Clinical Psychologists and research experts to ensure rigorous evaluation and continuous measurement of our impact.
2020 was a difficult year for everyone, however the children facing disadvantages were and continue to be hit the hardest by the effects of COVID-19. Despite many barriers, we were still able to reach 508 children in need over the year, equipping their parents with the skills needed to build a strong family. Read our Impact Report for more details and stories of how Kids Matter has made a difference in 2020.
What we measure?
We are keen to ensure that our parents are more confident in their parenting and are able to improve their own well-being, as we know both of these are key to bringing about change in family functioning and child behaviour.
We measure our impact both qualitatively (through parents’ stories and quotes) and quantitatively through two standardised measures:
WEMWBS (Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, Tennant et. al., 2007) – Newly introduced to Kids Matter programme to measure parental well-being
and
TOPSE (Tool of Parental Self Efficacy, Bloomfield & Kendall 2007) to measure parental confidence.
We also check in with parents using our own My Parenting Journey (Non-standardised measure).
Our impact: PARENTAL SELF EFFICACY
TOPSE (Tool of Parental Self Efficacy, Bloomfield and Kendall (2007))
Measures changes in parental self efficacy which in turn improves family functioning, parent-child relationship and consequently child behaviour. It is divided into 8 domains each measuring an aspect of parental confidence. The graph shows significant improvement across all 8 domains which is outstanding particularly for a peer-led, community-based programme.
Our impact: PARENTAL WELL-BEING
The WEMWBS is a measure of parental well-being. The graph shows that parents started the groups with their mental health measuring at below the national average. By the end of the group their mental well being improved to match the national average and stayed that way even at a 3 month follow up.
Our Impact: My Parenting Journey
Our Impact: Theory of Change
Click below to read Kids Matter’s Theory of Change.
Our Impact: Parent Quotes
“I have noticed a big difference with my daughter now that I am praising her more – she used to be so quiet and now she is talking all of the time!”
Mum in community
“It follows to the wings – we talk about what we’ve discussed with each other. Before the course we didn’t talk about our kids.“
Dad in prison
Click below to read a peer reviewed paper published by Dr Eli Gardner reporting the findings of the evaluation of The Parenting Children Course that Kids Matter is based on.
For further information please contact Dr Eli Gardner, eg@kidsmatter.org.uk.