An Integrated Analysis of the Impact of Spanish Family Support Programmes with Informed Evidence

This article describes the quality of Spanish family support programs, focusing on their impact, community reach, expansion, and sustainability. EurofamNet selected 57 programs that had evidence-based results. Family support programmes aimed at tackling numerous different issues were selected, such as substance use or behaviour disorders, among others. More specifically, 45.60% were universal interventions, 61.40% were selective interventions, and 29.80% were indicated ones. They were targeted at families with children in different developmental stages, depending on the objective of the programme. Most programs showed a positive impact, measured using quantitative methods, and were structured with manuals. About half of them clearly defined their core content and provided professional training.

A cluster analysis of the programs that expanded into communities revealed two categories: those with high and moderate levels of systematization. Programs with a high level of systematization had clearly defined core content, proper implementation conditions, institutional backing, professional training, and documented outcomes. These programs also tended to use mixed research methods, shared their findings widely, and were integrated into service offerings.

The article suggests a comprehensive approach to analyzing program quality, linking a program's impact to its design, implementation, and sustainability evaluation.