The Early Intervention Foundation (EIF) has published research looking at implications for parental relationships in families experiencing poverty and disadvantage, and improving outcomes for children. Findings from a study of 13 interventions across the UK include: evidence that supporting parental relationships and tackling conflict for families who are under economic stress has the potential to improve outcomes for children; families who may benefit most from this support may be least likely to receive it for a range of reasons to do with service availability, cost and barriers such as perceived stigma; targeting transition points – such as new parenthood, separation, a child’s transition into school or when parents risk falling into poverty – offers opportunities to reach families before relationship difficulties escalate.

Source: EIF  Date: 28 April 2017

Further information: Inter-parental relationships, conflict and the impacts of poverty: an overview (PDF)