A digital parent support programme for parents
This study is testing an online program called Stepping Stones Online. It's designed to help parents who have children aged 2-11 with learning disabilities and are worried about their child's behaviour. Support programs can be really helpful for these families, but it can be hard to attend in-person sessions. This online version might make it easier. We want to find out if Stepping Stones Online makes a positive difference for parents and children. Some families will get the program right away, while others will get it later. We'll ask parents to fill out questionnaires over a year to understand if the program is working. Your involvement could help other families in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many children with learning disabilities can sometimes struggle with how they behave or how they feel, which can be tough for families. There are special programs designed to help parents with these challenges, but it's not always easy for parents to get to these support sessions in person.
This study is looking at a new online program called Stepping Stones Online. The idea is that an online program might be much easier for parents to access from home, at a time that suits them. We want to see if this online program can really make a difference for parents and their children. By joining this study, you could help us understand if Stepping Stones Online is a good way to support families like yours.
The study will involve families who have a child with learning disabilities between 2 and 11 years old. We're especially interested if parents are concerned about their child's behaviour. Some families will get access to the Stepping Stones Online program straight away, and others will get it after a short wait period. This helps us fairly compare if the program is working.
Key takeaways
- Tests an online program for parents of children with learning disabilities.
- Aims to help with challenging behaviours and parent well-being.
- Participation involves online questionnaires over 12 months.
- All participants will get the program, some sooner than others.
- Your involvement could help improve future support for families.
- Study funded by NIHR and led by UK universities.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part in this study if you are a parent living in England, aged 18 or over. You need to be a parent (biological, step, adoptive, or foster) of a child aged 2 to 11 years old who has a learning disability or significant developmental delays. We're particularly looking for parents who are worried about their child's behaviour or emotional difficulties.
To join, you'll need to be able to use the internet to access the Stepping Stones Online program and also be able to understand and speak English well enough to follow the program and fill out questionnaires. It's important that you have not attended a similar parent support program in the last year, or are currently taking part in one. Your child should also live at home and not be in full-time care outside the family.
We would also need to make sure your family is not going through a major crisis right now, as we want to make sure you can fully take part in the program and get the most out from it. If you have any concerns about child protection, we wouldn't be able to include you in this study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a parent (biological, step, adoptive, or foster)?
- Is your child aged between 2 and 11 years old with a learning disability?
- Are you concerned about your child's behaviour or emotions?
- Do you live in England and are over 18 years old?
- Can you access the internet and read/speak English well enough?
- Have you not done a similar parenting program in the last year or are currently doing one?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the first step will be to give your permission by signing a consent form. Then, we will ask you to complete some questionnaires about your child's behaviour and your own well-being. These will also be completed again after about 6 months and 12 months. Whether your family receives the Stepping Stones Online program straight away or at a later time will be decided randomly, like flipping a coin. If you receive the program, you will access it online.
Some parents will also be asked if they would like to be interviewed about their experiences with Stepping Stones Online, which helps us understand what families think of the program. The total study duration would be around 12 months, from when you first fill out the questionnaires to the final set of questionnaires.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Birmingham UniversityUnverifiedBirmingham, England
Common questions
What is Stepping Stones Online?
It's a digital program designed to help parents of children with learning disabilities manage their child's behaviour and support the parents' own well-being.
How long will I need to be involved in the study?
You will be involved for about 12 months, completing questionnaires at the beginning, then at 6 months, and again at 12 months.
Is this program available to everyone?
This study is set up for parents living in England whose child has a learning disability and is within a specific age range, and who meet other study requirements.
Will I definitely get the Stepping Stones Online program?
Yes, all families who are part of the study will get the program, but whether you start it straight away or after a waiting period will be decided by chance.
Who is running this study?
The study is being led by the University of Birmingham, working with Cardiff University, and is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
How to find out more
Emma Scripps
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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