The benefits of an enhanced Nobody's Perfect Parenting Program for child welfare clients including non-custodial parents

A mixed-methods pilot project was conducted to study the effect of participation in an enhanced Nobody's Perfect Program (NP) composed of 12 three-hour weekly sessions. The 73 study participants were clients of the child welfare system. Prior to the program, parents completed demographic information, along with self-report measures assessing learned resourcefulness, the types of interactions with their children, parent resourcefulness, knowledge and use of resources, parent competency, and self-efficacy. Measures were completed again after the program and at a two month follow-up testing. Results revealed that 53% of parents completed the program, with non-completers more likely having less education. For program completers, significant improvements were observed in knowledge and use of community resources, positive parenting interactions and parenting resourcefulness, with gains in parenting competence and efficacy approaching significance. Parents completing the program described in rich detail their satisfaction with the enhanced version of NP in an exit focus group interview. Recommendations for parents facing multiple challenges are discussed.

► Parents benefited from an enhanced Nobody's Perfect Program having 36 contact hours.
► Session attendance rates exceeded historical records of the regular NP program.
► Significant improvements were observed in parent practices and skill levels.
► A sense of trust developed between parents and their facilitators.
► Many parents were at a loss to see the program end.