Service evaluation of the Cool Little Kids parenting program delivered in the community

Objective: In university-based randomised trials the Cool Little Kids parenting group program for temperamentally inhibited preschool children reduced the risk for anxiety disorders. The present study was a 'real world' service-delivery evaluation to assess family effects pre-post intervention. Method: Postgraduate clinical psychology interns received training and supervision from a clinical psychologist to deliver Cool Little Kids in socioeconomically diverse areas of Melbourne, Australia. Service evaluation participants (N = 38) were parents of children in the year before starting school who received an inhibition screening pamphlet at their preschool, self-referred into the program, and consented to complete a pre-post questionnaire to gain family case feedback. Service evaluation questionnaires were validated measures of child mental health, parenting practices and parent wellbeing, and elicited feedback on intervention acceptability. Results: 92% of the sample (n = 35) returned the post-intervention questionnaire. 66% of parents attended most of the intervention (5-6 groups) and the rest attended at least half (3-4 groups). Pre-post findings for children were reductions in clinical internalising problems (CMFWQ 54% to 11%, p < .001; SDQ-emotional 37% to 14%, p = .008) and anxiety symptoms (all PASr subscales). Pre-post findings for parents were improvements in parenting (over-involved/protective 1.75 to 1.61, p = .005; nurturing 52.77 to 55.54, p = .025) and stress (9.52 to 7.22, p = .002). Parents' quantitative and qualitative feedback on 'usefulness' of the program was highly positive. Conclusion: This service evaluation supports implementing Cool Little Kids in the community for parents who are motivated to engage in parenting groups. Further service evaluations with low income/education and diverse cultural backgrounds would be worthwhile.