1. SUPPORTING PARENTS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD Introduce the concept of positive parenting: - focus and content - Implications for public policy

2. UNCRC – key background n Principles for children’s rights n nondiscrimination, survival and development, respect, best interests (non-violence) n Parents n - provide appropriate guidance and direction (in a non-violent manner) n - provide materially for the child n - enable the child to be heard n States n the guarantor n the enabler/promotor

3. Significance Shifts emphasis from parental authority to parental responsibility n The two-way nature of parenting is emphasised n Implies that parenting needs to be resourced

4. Key Elements of Positive Parenting n Emphasises the way of parenting: n Nurturing n Provide structure n Provide recognition n Be empowering

5. Role for States Parties n Develop a policy on parenting n Support is the watchword n Policy three functions: n Creating the conditions for positive parenting n Removing barriers n Promoting positive parenting

6. Substance of Policy n 3 elements that policy should provide: n Support n Resources n Learning – skills