Parent-training/education programmes in the management of children with conduct disorders

NICE recommends group-based parent-training/education programmes in the management of children with conduct disorders. Individual-based programmes are only recommended where the family’s needs are too complex for a group-based programme.

All group-based and individual programmes should:

• be based on principles of social learning theory (an approach to learning that includes learning from observing other people)
• include ways of improving family relationships
• offer enough sessions (usually between 8 and 12) to be as helpful as possible for those taking part
• help parents to identify their own parenting goals
• include role play during sessions and homework between sessions so that parents can apply what they have learnt to their own family’s situation
• be given by people who are suitably trained, skilled and supervised, who have access to any further training they may need, and who are able to work successfully with parents to help their children
• follow the programme’s instruction manual and use whatever resources are needed to ensure that the programme is followed consistently.

For all programmes used, there should be good independent evidence that they work well. Those providing programmes should make sure that support is available to help parents take part if they would find it difficult to do so otherwise.

• This advice only applies to the management of children with conduct disorders who are 12 years or younger, or who have a developmental age of 12 years or younger.

  Additional funding information for this guidance can be found on the Department of Health website.

• Other information

  • TA102 Conduct disorder in children - parent-training/education programmes: guidance (web format)

  How this guidance was produced

  Background information

  • TA102 Conduct disorder in children - parent-training/education programmes: review decision - May 2011
  • TA102 Conduct disorder in children - parent-training/education programmes: review proposal - March 2011
  • Review update - September 2009
  • Review proposal - January 2008
  • Review proposal - January 2008: Provisional matrix of consultees and commentators
  • NICE and SCIE issue guidance to help parents and carers who have children with conduct disorders
  • TA102 Conduct disorder in children - parent-training/education programmes: review decision - April 2008

Guidance formats

• Web format
• Quick reference guide (PDF)
• Full Guidance (PDF)
• Patient version (PDF)
• TA102 Rhaglenni hyfforddiant/addysg i rieni ar gyfer rheoli plant sydd ag anhwylderau ymddygiad: deall canllawiau NICE (fformat MS Word)

Conduct disorder in children - parent-training/education programmes

Guideline for patients and carers (PDF)