Supporting Families presents the findings of a large-scale two-year NSPCC evaluation study with families in difficulty, to explore the content and effectiveness of family support services. This updated paperback edition, with a foreword by Lord Laming, includes additional findings from the current phase of the evaluation.

Looking at support services from all stakeholder perspectives – children, parents, staff – Ruth Gardner asks to what extent specific problems such as parental stress, vulnerability, isolation and child behaviour were resolved over six months of interventions including group work, parent training and volunteer home visiting.

Using the voices of all the stakeholders, Supporting Families reviews the national policy for family support since the inception of social services departments and, through best practice and policy recommendations, points the way forward to more inclusive provision.

Bringing together NSPCC research with key practice-based solutions, Supporting Families is required reading for everyone working to prevent child harm. This timely publication will help set the policy agenda in children’s services.

"Ruth Gardner’s book strikes just the right notes to encourage us to respond to the challenge of change. I congratulate her."
—Lord Laming