The Wolf Was Not Sleeping – Service Evaluation (2021–2022)

Summary

This service evaluation examines how The Wolf Was Not Sleeping, a children’s book developed in partnership with Police Care UK, helps police families navigate children’s worries about parents working in policing. Through two surveys of police families with children aged 3–7, the evaluation explored children’s pre-existing concerns, parents’ confidence in addressing these concerns, and the impact of using the book at home. Results show the book effectively opens conversations about safety, helps children understand the police “team” that supports their parent, and increases parental confidence in responding to children’s worries.

Why it is important

Police families often report that young children experience anxiety about parents working in policing, particularly fears around danger, injury, and night time absences. This evaluation helps Police Care UK understand whether a story-based intervention can reduce worry, support emotional wellbeing, and improve the family’s ability to talk openly about policing work. These findings guide future family focused wellbeing resources.

Focus of the evaluation

To understand children’s worries about parents working in the police.
To assess whether The Wolf Was Not Sleeping supports conversations and reassurance within police families.

Background

Police Care UK recognised that some children feel anxious when parents leave for work and developed the book to help families discuss these worries.
The pre-survey found 83% of children were worried about parents going to work; most worries related to injury, danger, or “bad people.”
Parents expressed uncertainty about how to explain policing safely and honestly, and identified a need for supportive tools, including storybooks.
Story-based resources are widely used in emotional development and help children articulate feelings, making them well-suited for police family wellbeing.

How the evaluation was conducted

Two surveys of police families with children aged 3–7 years were conducted.
- Pre-survey (Dec 2021): 680 responses, 583 valid.
- Post-survey (Jan 2022): 119 responses, 107 valid.
Surveys were hosted on Qualtrics and analysed using SPSS and NVivo.
Pre-survey assessed children’s worries and parents’ preparedness.
Post-survey assessed how the book was used and perceived impact.

Partners and funding

The evaluation was delivered by Police Care UK with analytical support from the University of Cambridge, who hosted and processed the survey data.
The book itself was developed in collaboration with Police Care UK as part of its family support resources.

Timeline

December 2021 – Pre-survey distributed and book requests collected.
January 2022 – Post-survey issued to families who received the book.
2022 – Analysis of pre- and post-book data completed.

Results

Children’s worries before receiving the book

83% of children worried about their parent’s policing role; 13% worried “a lot” or “a great deal.”
94% of worries fell into five categories:
- Dealing with “bad people”
- Fear of injury
- Dangerous situations
- Playground comments
- Other miscellaneous concerns
Night-time worries and fear that parents might not return home were common.

Parents’ preparedness (pre-book)

41% of parents felt unsure or unprepared to answer their children’s concerns.
Parents requested more ways to explain that policing is safe, supported by a wider team and guided by training and equipment.

Book use and frequency

Over 50% intended to read the book at least weekly; 93% at least monthly.
A minority did not use it due to concerns about emotional content.

Impact on conversations and reassurance

90% agreed the book helped them talk to their child about policing.
78% felt more prepared or comfortable answering questions after using the book.

Qualitative feedback

91% of comments in the post-survey were positive, emphasising:
- Better conversations about safety
- Children understanding that parents work in a supportive team
- Reduced bedtime worry
- Improved confidence for parents
A small number found the imagery emotionally intense for younger children.