Family Hope Center

Published February 2018

Download the full evidence summary PDF: Family Hope Center

What were we asked?

Two parent carers asked about the evidence for Family Hope Center (FHC) programmes. One has a child with cerebral palsy and wanted to know whether FHC might help to improve her child’s independence in the future. The second parent carer has a child with learning difficulty and hypotonia (weak muscles) and wanted to know whether the FHC treatment is effective for improving speech and movement.

Key findings

  • Family Hope Center is a commercial American company that provides therapy for parents of children and young people with neurodisability. Family Hope Center staff travel to the UK periodically to hold seminars for parents, offer assessments and recommend treatment for children and young people.

 

  • The therapy involves a training programme for parents to follow with their children. Typically, this therapy aims to improve speech, movement, and/or learning. Treatment recommended is different for each child.

 

  • We did not find evidence from rigorous research that the Family Hope Center programme is effective for improving speech, movement, or independence in children or young people with neurodisability beyond what would be expected due to development or recovery from brain injury alone, or with standard therapy.

 

  • Family Hope Center therapy programmes are not delivered by staff regulated by the General Medical Council or Health and Care Professions Council in the UK.

This information is produced by PenCRU researchers and reviewed by external experts. The views expressed are those of PenCRU at the University of Exeter Medical School and do not represent the views of the Cerebra charity, or any other parties mentioned. We strongly recommend seeking medical advice before undertaking any treatments/therapies.