Because of its distinctive multi-level system and the way the program itself promotes self-regulation and self-sufficiency in parents, Triple P can be a cost-effective strategy for the budget under which it is funded. It can also be a strategic investment in early intervention, preventatively saving costs across a number of other areas and budgets, including mental health and child welfare.
Why is a Triple P program cost effective?
Self-regulation is one of the main tenets of the Triple P program. It encourages parents to set their own goals and choose the types of strategies that will work within their family homes. In this way parents become independent problem-solvers, who can confidently adapt Triple P strategies to suit the issues they confront now and in the future. This relieves the pressure on agencies and practitioners, who are not required to continue providing clinical support to the parents who have completed Triple P.
Why is the Triple P system cost effective?
Because Triple P is not "one-size-fits-all", it offers a suite of programs of increasing intensity. This prevents wasteful over-servicing or ineffective under-servicing.
So a parent with a few minor issues can receive a brief intervention rather than participating in a more intensive intervention designed for parents with significant problems. Similarly, for example, parents at risk of maltreating a child can undergo a specific Triple P program that will address their acute needs.
This helps ensure that an organization investing in parenting support does so wisely – devoting resources in a way that avoids waste.
Why is a Triple P rollout a cost-effective option?
It's widely accepted that quality, evidence-based parenting programs can positively affect services and budgets dealing with crime and antisocial behavior, health care, mental health, housing, education, drugs and alcohol, and social services.
Economic analyses have shown Triple P can reduce costs associated with conduct disorder, child abuse and out-of-home placements, while also delivering significant returns on investment. (See the page, The numbers, for research into Triple P's cost-benefit ratio.)