The use of evidence-based programmes in family support across Europe: A comparative survey study

The importance of using evidence-based programmes to ensure children’s rights and families’ wellbeing is increasingly recognized in Europe. However, there are few and partial attempts to gain insight into the scope of prevention and promotion programmes currently implemented in child and family services across Europe, often located outside the formal peer-reviewed channels. The objectives of this study are empirically examining the diversity of family support programmes delivered and the extent to which they meet evidence-based standards for programme formulation and provide a picture of the typologies according to programme descriptors, operational aspects and implementation components. The Family Support Programmes' Survey was used to identify existing programmes addressing family support in participating countries. The sample includes 193 support programmes from 17 European countries, members of the European Family Support Network corresponding to three regions of Europe (Northern, Southern and Central-Eastern). The comparative survey was conducted using the Data Collection Sheet to gather information about program characteristics. Descriptive and cluster analyses were carried out. Results show that a large number of programmes fulfil evidence-based standards for programme formulation, such as clearly defined theoretical framework, manualization, and methodology components. In addition, three cluster profiles of programme formulation components were determined corresponding to the three European regions. Implications for research and practice on the development of family support programmes according to evidence-based standards for programme formulation are discussed.