Child to parent abuse (CPA)
Child to Parent Abuse (CPA) is a pattern of harmful, threatening, controlling or abusive behaviour by a child, young person or adult child towards a parent, carer or guardian. CPA can be difficult to identify and talk about. Parents and carers may feel frightened, ashamed or worried about being judged, while professionals may find it challenging to understand the behaviour within the wider context of family relationships and the needs of the child or young person.
Project Horizon
Project Horizon is Equation’s specialist programme for families affected by Child to Parent Abuse (CPA). We work with children and young people alongside their parents or carers to understand what is happening in the family, strengthen relationships and support safer ways of moving forward. Our approach recognises that every family is different. By working with everyone involved, we aim to build understanding, reduce harm and help families feel safer at home.
About Project Horizon
Every part of the programme has been shaped through consultation and co-design with children and young people, professionals, and partner organisations
How Project Horizon helps
• Talk openly about what’s been happening at home
• Understand what healthy relationships look and feel like
• Recognise and manage difficult feelings and emotions
• Build trust, communication and resilience as a family
• Get practical support and advocacy along the way
Our approach
Families who’ve taken part tell us that small things make a big difference: sharing a meal together at the start of each session; running sessions for children/parents/carers separately; and ending each week with a ‘fun family’ activity, so sessions finish on a positively.
Child to parent abuse statistics
Is Project Horizon right for your family?
Project Horizon is an early intervention programme supporting families experiencing Child to Parent Abuse (CPA).
We work with parents, carers and guardians living in Nottingham City who are experiencing harmful or abusive behaviour from a young person aged 10–13. The programme is aimed at families who are experiencing early signs of CPA and who are ready and willing to engage with support.
When Project Horizon may not be suitable
At the moment, we’re unable to accept referrals where:
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domestic abuse between adults in the household is ongoing; or
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the young person using harmful behaviour towards the parent, carer or guardian is still living in the family home.
In these circumstances, a different type of support may need to be put in place first. Our team can help you identify what support may be most appropriate and signpost you to the right service.
If you’re a professional working with a family in Nottingham City and you’re concerned that Child to Parent Abuse may be taking place, please get in touch with the Project Horizon team.
We’ll talk through the situation with you, discuss whether Project Horizon is suitable, and signpost you to other support if needed.
We also offer training for professionals working with families affected by CPA. Visit our Eventbrite page to see our current sessions.
Get in touch
If you’re a professional working with a young person or family, and you think the could benefit from Project Horizon, our team is here to help.
Email us at CYP@equation.org.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Is this my fault as a parent?
No. Child to parent abuse isn’t caused by ‘bad parenting’, and taking part in Project Horizon isn’t an admission of failure. It’s a recognised pattern that can affect any family, and reaching out for support is a positive step.
Will Project Horizon involve social care or the police?
Not as standard. Project Horizon is a voluntary, early intervention programme — families need to be ready and willing to take part. If risk increases during the programme, or a safeguarding concern arises, our usual safeguarding procedures apply, in the same way they would across any of our services.
What if there’s other domestic abuse happening in the family?
Project Horizon is designed for families where the main concern is a child or young person’s behaviour towards a parent or carer. It isn’t able to accept families where domestic abuse between adults is ongoing, or where the person using harmful behaviour remains in the home — but we can help you find the right support in these situations.
Is my child seen as a ‘perpetrator’?
No. We use trauma-informed, non-blaming language throughout. Children and young people using harmful behaviour are still children — often working through difficult experiences or emotions of their own — and our aim is to understand what’s driving the behaviour, and support the whole family to change it together.
What age range does Project Horizon work with?
Project Horizon is an early intervention approach so we mostly work with children aged 10-13 years but please do speak with us if your child is not in this age group to discuss further.
How do I refer a family, or ask for help?
Send us a message using the contact form on this page and our team will talk you through next steps.
Get in touch
If you’re a professional working with a young person or family, and you think the could benefit from Project Horizon, our team is here to help.