National evaluation of Bringing Up Great Kids (BUGK)

The Parenting Research Centre is collaborating with the Australian Childhood Foundation to conduct an intensive evaluation of the standard Bringing Up Great Kids (BUGK) groups being facilitated between July and December 2023.

As data is collected and analysed, we will share the insights and knowledge gained with all those interested in learning more about BUGK as a reflective and compassionate relational program.

The program logic, evaluation tools, and evaluation structure have already successfully completed the ethics approval process. We are now prepared to extend invitations to BUGK facilitators to participate in the evaluation of the standard BUGK groups. As mentioned previously, we are exploring data collection models that can effectively capture BUGK’s transformative impact and parents’ self-efficacy.

We are thrilled to extend an invitation to you to become a part of this comprehensive BUGK evaluation. You have two options for participation:

1. Facilitating a standard BUGK group
We are keen to know if you will be facilitating a BUGK group either online or in-person, with the general population or parents attending your service. If you are planning to facilitate your BUGK group online, one of the teams in the Parenting and Early Years program may be available to co-facilitate the group with you or provide mentoring support to assist in facilitating your BUGK group.

2. Providing a comparison group
If you wish to be part of the evaluation but are unable to facilitate a BUGK group in the next six months, we are seeking parents in your area who will not have access to BUGK materials and resources. This could include parents in a local early years program, those on your waiting list for a BUGK group, or individuals in your service who are not receiving any BUGK information. They could be suitable candidates for one of our comparison groups.

In either scenario, you will receive support at every stage from the BUGK evaluation project team. We will assist you in navigating the initial forms and collecting data from parents, which may be possible to do both online and on paper.

We are available to address any questions or concerns that arise, and please know that we welcome all inquiries.

Upon completion of your participation in the evaluation, we would like to offer you a free BUGK variation training* of your choice as a sign of appreciation for your time and expertise.

You can opt out of the process at any time.

We eagerly await your response using the form below.

For any further information or queries, please contact Hanif Jaberipour at hjaberipour@childhood.org.au.

*BUGK variation training includes: BUGK in the first 1000 days, BUGK parenting adolescents, BUGK – Parenting After Family Violence, BUGK for Kinship Carers and Foster Carers, BUGK For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families, BUGK: Learning the basics for professionals who work one on one with parents