To Örebro University

One of the key goals of the European Family Support Network (Eurofamnet) is to develop and disseminate a quality standards document. This document aims at identifying the basic characteristics to develop, implement, test, and disseminate high-quality family support programs in the European context. The current presentation focuses on the process of development and key aspects of the proposed Eurofamnet Quality Standards Document.

The development process of the Eurofamnet Quality Standards Document started with an extensive review of the published quality standards documents and the scientific publications focusing on preventive interventions for families and children. The review of these documents focused on identifying the proposed standards for and the characteristics of high-quality programs. 

A thematic analysis revealed the importance of four phases in conceptualizing standards for family support programs. These are (1) program formulation, (2) program delivery, (3) program evaluation, and (4) dissemination. The Eurofamnet Quality Standards Document proposes that the processes and the outcomes of these four phases of the intervention cycle are guided by five fundamental considerations. Actions that are taken and the outcomes of these actions in each of these four phases are (1) responsive, (2) feasible, (3) ethical, (4) reflective, and (5) sustainable.

Overall, the Eurofamnet Quality Standards Document aims at setting up a set of guiding principles for practitioners and researchers who work with family support programs that are accessible and in line with the latest advances in research and praxis.