Parental Experiences of Self-Efficacy, Empowerment, and Quality of Life: A Qualitative Evaluation of a 4-Day Intensive Early Intervention Program for Families of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) profoundly affects both children and their families, often resulting in parental stress, emotional strain, and challenges in maintaining family well-being. Good Start is a family-centered early intervention designed for families of children aged six months to four years with CP, with the goal of enhancing parental competence, empowerment, and quality of life. Family-centered interventions, such as Good Start, aim to support parents by helping them integrate training into daily routines and fostering overall well-being. This study evaluates the Good Start program as a structured approach to addressing these challenges. A qualitative design was used, incorporating in-depth interviews with 19 parents at two time points - shortly after program completion and six months later - supplemented by observational data. Parents reported increased confidence in their caregiving role and a greater ability to incorporate therapeutic activities into everyday life. Psychological support and peer networking opportunities were highly valued, though maintaining connections post-program was challenging. Findings indicate that family-centered approaches contribute to parental empowerment and improved family dynamics. Good Start promotes parental competence and well-being by providing structured guidance, peer support, and strategies for incorporating therapy into daily life. Further research is needed to examine its long-term impact and broader applicability.