Reducing Parental Conflict programme 2018 to 2022: an evaluation of the effects of interventions
This report provides results from the evaluation of the 7 interventions tested under the 2018 to 2022 Reducing Parental Conflict (RPC) programme evaluation.
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This report provides results from the evaluation of the 7 interventions tested under the 2018 to 2022 Reducing Parental Conflict (RPC) programme evaluation, which compared relationship dynamics between parents (including conflict) before and after completing an RPC intervention.
Research background
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) introduced RPC in 2018, beginning the evaluation in 2019. This report shows results of the quantitative evaluations of the interventions which were tested from 2018.
This evaluation involved comparing different measures of interparental relationships and child wellbeing to estimate the changes observed post intervention. It was designed to measure interparental relationships and the wellbeing of children at 4 key stages: once before intervention and up to 3 times after completion of an intervention (immediately after completion, 6 months after completion, and finally, 12 months after completion).
Contribution to the evidence base
Existing publications linked to this research include:
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“Reducing Parental Conflict programme evaluation: third report on implementation” – this report provided interim findings from research mostly conducted between January and December 2021
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“Reducing Parental Conflict programme: diary research with parents accessing interventions” – this report illustrates the findings of longitudinal research conducted by DWP’s In-House Research Unit (IHRU) of parents who participated in 7 interventions tested under the 2018 to 2022 Reducing Parental Conflict (RPC) programme
Learning from the Reducing Parental Conflict Challenge Fund, which was designed to grant fund 10 innovative projects to further build the evidence base on what works to reduce parental conflict within disadvantaged families using digital support and specialist support for particular family subgroups.
A literature review on the relationship between substance abuse and parental conflict documented the complexity of issues contributing to family stress.
The Local Family Officer pilots, which provided evidence on local authorities’ experiences of promoting family stability and relationship quality through the Local Family Offer.
Research value
The report shows quantitative evaluation findings highlighting how RPC interventions affected both interparental relationships and children’s wellbeing and mental health.
Findings will be of particular interest to Local Authorities when developing their future strategies of support for parents in conflict, as well as for central government so learning can shape future policy in this space. It will also be valuable to organisations working with, or on behalf of, families.
Related content
Reducing Parental Conflict programme and resources
Reducing Parental Conflict programme: evaluation
Reducing Parental Conflict programme evaluation: third report on implementation
Reducing Parental Conflict programme evaluation: second report on implementation
Reducing Parental Conflict programme evaluation: report on early implementation
Reducing Parental Conflict Challenge Fund: learning from the second phase of delivery
Updates to this page
Published 24 August 2023Last updated 14 February 2024 + show all updates
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Corrected references from 'other families' to 'workless families' in the line before the second table on page 87 of the report and under 'Eligibility criteria relaxed in relation to workless and disadvantaged families' on page 92.
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Created 'Reducing Parental Conflict Programme 2018–2022: An evaluation of the effects of interventions on parental relationships and children' - HTML attachment
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The report now refers to ‘co-parenting support’ rather than ‘co-parenting satisfaction’.
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First published.