EVALUATION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAMME „THE INCREDIBLE YEARS“ IN LITHUANIA: PERSPECTIVES OF GROUP LEADERS FACILITATING PARENTING TRAININGS

Objective – To assess the benefits and effectiveness of the positive parenting program The Incredible Years, implemented in Lithuania, from the perspective of group leaders who conducted the training.Methodology. A qualitative study was conducted using focus group discussions. Group leaders from 18 municipalities implementing the positive parenting program were invited to participate. Two discussions were held with a total of 11 group leaders taking part. Content analysis was applied to analyze the qualitative data, and key themes and subthemes were identified.Summary. The evaluation of The Incredible Years program from the perspective of service providers – the group leaders – revealed that the program was beneficial and effective in developing positive parenting skills, improving communication with children, and addressing children’s behavioral issues. According to the group leaders, the program should be expanded to other municipalities in the country and include additional target groups working with children – such as teachers, kindergarten educators, and social workers. Changes in parental behavior when interacting with their children, as well as the involvement of other family members or acquaintances in The Incredible Years program, demonstrated its impact on strengthening parents’ ability to manage behavioral and emotional issues in children and improving the psychological climate within the family. However, further research is needed to prove the long-term effectiveness and impact of the program on parents.