Kelly Baird

Institute of Early Childhood/ Children and Families Research Centre, Macquarie University, NSW
Terry Beslich PhD Scholarship
Research Companion 2010

Kelly Baird is a PhD (Early Childhood) candidate at Macquarie University. Kelly completed her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice (Hons) in 2004 at Griffith University, Queensland.
 
Since 2006, Kelly has been employed as a Research Officer for UnitingCare Children, Young People and Families, a leading child and family organisation within New South Wales. In her role, Kelly has implemented and completed various research and evaluation projects aimed at breaking the cycle of disadvantage that affects vulnerable children, young people and their families. 
 
Kelly has a keen interest in the areas of hearing children’s voices in research and children’s perceptions of change within their families.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:
 
Through the eyes of the child: The impact of parenting programs on young children

 
This project will examine the outcomes for vulnerable young children whose parents are involved in NEWPIN, a tertiary level, highly intensive parenting program operated by UnitingCare Burnside in Western Sydney. NEWPIN works with families who have child protection issues and aims to break the cycle of destructive family behaviour and facilitate positive parent-child relationships.
 
Research about parenting programs rarely focuses on the children’s perspectives and little is understood about how children experience these programs as well as their views on the changes that occur in their families. This is particularly interesting because although parenting programs may work with the parents, the ultimate goal is safe, healthy and happy children. As the ultimate benefactors of parenting programs, it is imperative to include children’s views about change within their families and of being parented.
 
The overarching aim of this research is to learn how and in what way participation in parenting programs impact on vulnerable young children. In doing so, the research will investigate the impact on a number of levels. This will include:
 
The impact on children’s development (for example, improvements in cognitive ability, social and emotional wellbeing and improvements in communication and language)

The impact on children’s relationship with their parent(s) and their family (for example, how they perceive changes in their parent(s)’ behaviour towards them and how things have changed at home)

The impact on children’s beliefs and perceptions about parenting.
 
A mixed method design will be used – a quantitative study will explore changes in the children’s development and a qualitative study will focus on the children’s perceptions of changes that have occurred in their family since involvement with NEWPIN. This design will allow for a greater and more in depth exploration of the impact of parenting programs on young children.  
 
By giving focus to the perspectives of young children, this research will make an important and unique contribution to the existing knowledge about the efficacy of parenting programs.