'I have disseminated the information you gathered to at least 1000 professionals in the past year…your work is being promoted directly to high-level policy makers (e.g., the Scottish Executive) as well as to practitioners working on the ground (e.g., health visitors, volunteer agencies). [WAVE has] significantly more influence in the field of early years intervention than many other organisations do. I will continue to speak of your work – including at the House of Lords.'

— Dr. Suzanne Zeedyk, Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology, University of Dundee

Recommendations

WAVE has four fundamental recommendations.

1. Teach children how to parent in a non-violent manner while still in school themselves

Enable every child to leave school with fundamental training in how to 'attune' with babies and to parent in a non-violent manner. An example of this type of programme is provided by Roots of Empathy.

2. Give all first-time parents supportive coaching, during pregnancy, on how to 'attune' with babies

During a first pregnancy, give every mother- and father-to-be supportive coaching on how to 'attune' with babies, how to ensure the child's successful emotional development and how to parent in a non-violent manner. An example of this type of support is offered by the programme First Steps in Parenting (details from the programme developer Dr Mel Parr, or by e-mailing WAVE.)

3. Set up regular monitoring visits by specially trained Health Visitors for all babies in 'at risk' families

Carry out this monitoring as a matter of routine in 'at risk' families during the first three years of children’s lives, and in parallel with their parents receiving regular visits by specially trained Health Visitors who provide practical encouragement and support. An example of what could be provided can be seen via the Nurse Family Partnership.

4. Recognise and treat PTSD in violent individuals

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in violent individuals needs to be recognised, and steps taken to heal it in children and adults entering the legal and prison systems. Studies have found that the level of PTSD suffered by people in prison is significantly greater than in the population at large

Recommendations

2. Give all first-time parents supportive coaching, during pregnancy, on how to 'attune' with babies

3. Set up regular monitoring visits by specially trained Health Visitors for all babies in 'at risk' families

4. Recognise and treat PTSD in violent individuals

Our Findings