This section outlines the work that Children in Wales does in relation to Parenting.

Parenting is an activity undertaken by those who bring up children. This includes mothers and fathers, foster carers and adoptive parents, step-parents, and grandparents. Local authorities also act as corporate parents for children and young people in their care.

Children in Wales believes that good parenting is the key to successful outcomes for children. Good parenting or positive parenting is that which is respectful to the child’s best interests and rights as articulated by the UNCRC as well as considering the needs and resources of parents, fathers as well as mothers. Emotional support, timely information; practical, preventative action; and a network of parenting and relationship support can be crucial in helping some families cope. The UNCRC itself recognises parents’ key role - Article 18 enshrines the rights of parents to receive support and identifies them as the people with primary responsibility for decisions relating to their children.

Enquiries concerning generic parenting work, Fforwm Magu Plant and the Parenting Coordinators Network should be directed to:

Lucy Akhtar
Development Officer, Parenting
Tel 029 2034 2434

Enquiries relating specifically to fathers and Fatherhood Wales should be directed to:

Tony Ivens
Fatherhood Development Officer
Tel 029 2034 2434

Children in Wales supports parenting in Wales in a number of ways:

Support for Professionals
Children in Wales supports professionals across Wales who work with parents in a whole range of contexts in the voluntary, statutory and private sectors. Evidence from the UK and abroad shows that effective work with parents can improve outcomes for children and their families. We aim to support practitioners to deliver better quality parenting support services by:

• Providing training to a range of professionals
• Organising seminars, conferences and other events that share research, policy and good practice
• Providing information, support and resources for the parenting workforce
• Providing opportunities for practice and information exchange through our Parenting forums
• Promoting positive parenting approaches (parenting that is respectful of children’s best interests and rights as articulated by the UNCRC)
• Promoting a father-inclusive approach to family policy
• Promoting the use of the National Occupational Standards for Work with Parents

Parenting Forums
Children in Wales facilitates three parenting forums which bring practitioners together to share information, issues and solutions:

• Fforwm Magu Plant
• Fatherhood Wales Forum
• Parenting Coordinators Network

Working with the Welsh Assembly Government
Children in Wales draws on research and evidence to influence policy and campaign for the conditions which enable families to thrive in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. We work with the Welsh Assembly Government to inform them about the experiences and views of practitioners and the voices of families themselves.

Information For Parents
Our website contains a range of free resources for parents and details of sources of support and information available in different areas of Wales

Grandparenting in Wales
Children in Wales acknowledge that grandparents play a significant role in supporting parents in raising their children. The important role grandparents play in family life is almost invisible in family policy in Wales and the UK. Children in Wales believes that the policy implications of this largely positive role should be investigated and supported and we engage in the public debate to that effect.