PMTO center for parents of children with behavioral challenges
Yesterday, Inga Sæland, minister of education and children, and Mayor Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir signed an agreement to operate a PMTO center that will serve the entire country. Parent Management Training is an evidence-based treatment for parents of children with communication or behavioral difficulties that has proven highly effective in Iceland.
This method has been used in Iceland for 25 years with good results. Today, 10 municipalities across the country offer PMTO training to parents. Each year, about 700 parents receive services, and many schools also benefit from the school-based version of this method.
Research shows that parents who have used PMTO services are very satisfied; they feel more confident in their parenting role and notice positive changes that can make all the difference for their child's and family's future.
Efforts underway to find permanent location for center
Under this agreement, Reykjavík City will operate a PMTO center that serves the entire country. Keðjan, a department within Reykjavík City that provides support services for children, will provide professional leadership for the center in partnership with a research lab at the University of Iceland School of Education. During the contract period, the search for a permanent location for the center will continue.
Parents who want to apply for these services apply through their municipality, either through their child's school or through the municipality's welfare or school services.
The Ministry of Education and Children will provide ISK 53 million in funding for the center, spread over the contract period. The agreement is effective until Dec. 31, 2027.
Parents are empowered and learn to set clear boundaries
"We want to empower parents and intervene early when children face challenges. PMTO accomplishes both through evidence-based, low-threshold services that we want to make more accessible," says Inga Sæland, minister of education and children.
"The PMTO program helps parents support positive behavior in children and handle challenging situations. Through this training, parents learn to set clear boundaries in a constructive way. It strengthens communication and increases safety and well-being for children, helping them grow into secure and well-adjusted adults. That benefits all of us," says Mayor Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir.
Appointments available with counselors
The PMTO program is one of Reykjavík City's support programs for children and families, where effective methods are taught to improve well-being, behavior and social skills and promote good communication within the family. The first step to request participation is to book a consultation with a counselor. Available courses can be viewed here:
https://reykjavik.is/en/classes-for-parents-and-children