Parenting research and resources

Barnardo's Policy and Research Unit have conducted a wide variety of research into how best to support parents and what affects a parents ability to cope.

These research resources can help practitioners, managers and service planners gain a deeper understanding of the issue and what works to improve outcomes for children and young people.

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Our latest parenting research and resources

Find below a list of our latest parenting research and resources or search our full publications database.

Published date	Publication	Price
2010	Every Night You Cry: The realities of having a parent in prison by Jane Glover Type: Policy and research documents, Campaign documents Every Night You Cry reports on the poor outcomes of children with a parent in prison, and highlights findings from an audit of children's plans that too many local authorities are failing to address their needs.	Free
2009	Improving opportunities and outcomes for parents with mental health needs and their children by Rebecca Fowler, Barbara Robinson and Sara Scott Type: Policy and research documents This report, produced by Barnardo's Policy and Research Unit and DMSS Research and Consultancy, analyses the work of the Action 16 outcomes partnership 2005-2008, which aimed to find ways of improving opportunities and outcomes for parents with mental health needs and their children.	Free
2008	Family Minded: supporting children in families affected by mental illness by Jane Evans and Rebecca Fowler Type: Policy and research documents What is it like to be a child with a parent who is mentally ill - and how does Barnardo's make a difference? This report looks at the issues involved and recommends changes to the help families are given.	Free
2007	Parents in Hospital: How mental health services can best promote family contact when a parent is in hospital by Barbara Robinson and Sara Scott Type: Policy and research documents This review of contact arrangements in Mental Health settings investigated the policies, arrangements and facilities that promote contact between parents and children when a parent is in hospital.	Free
2007	It doesn't happen here - The reality of child poverty in the uk by Neera Sharma with a commentary by Donald Hirsch Type: Policy and research documents, Campaign documents The lives of 3.8 million children in the UK - one in three are blighted by poverty. This report is based on interviews with over 40 families with whom Barnardo's works.	Free
2004	Building a better future: Disabled parents and their children by Tony Newman and Michele Wates Type: Policy and research documents, Tools for professionals This 100 page discussion document explores the issues related to disabled parents and their children.	£2.50
2004	Food poverty in the school holidays by Owen Gill and Neera Sharma Type: Policy and research documents Looking at the issues facing parents on income support during the school holidays, this report focuses particularly on the impact of the weeks with no free school meals.	Free
2004	We'll never be the same - Learning with children, parents and communities though ongoing political conflict and trauma by Rosie Burrows and Bríd Keenan Type: Policy and research documents Making a difference in the lives of children and families who have experienced threatening events through political conflict in Northern Ireland/ the north of Ireland.	Free
2000	Counting the cost of child poverty by Mike Hughes, Anna Downie and Neera Sharma Type: Policy and research documents Using balance sheets and graphs, 'Counting the cost of child poverty' calculates the human, social and economic costs of poverty.	£2.50
1997	Missing mum - Getting to know Sandra Type: Tools for professionals This picture story book helps young children affected by parental illness talk through worrying issues with a trusted adult.	£1.25
	Food poverty in school holidays by Owen Gill and Neera Sharma Type: Policy and research documents Looking at the issues facing parents on income support during the school holidays, this report focuses particularly on the impact of the weeks with no free school meals.	Free
	'What works for children' initiative Type: Policy and research documents, Tools for professionals City and York universities, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, have been working with Barnardo's to explore how research can be applied to childcare practice.	Free
	Keeping the family in mind Type: Policy and research documents This report explores the lives and needs of children and young people who care for parents with mental health problems.	Free
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