Parent Education

The use of research-based Best Practices for prevention is required by most funding sources. Using Best Practices in parent education helps to ensure that programs achieve the desired results. Program Overview Parent education programs provide parents and other caregivers the opportunity to increase and practice positive parenting skills. Two research-based curricula are used. (Strengthening Families, Parenting Wisely) Programs that include children increase family communication skills and understanding. (Strengthening Families) Partnering with community groups increases the number of children and families who will benefit from these programs. Goals Reduce the incidence of substance abuse and delinquency of youth by increasing the effectiveness of their parents/caregivers. Increase family communication and strengthen family relationships. Current Components Strengthening Families is a 7-week program for adolescents and their families. A 2-1/2 hour session is held each of the 7 weeks. It begins with a family meal. Parents and youth are then move into separate classrooms for one hour. The final hour is a family session in which parents and youth come together to share what they have learned. A Spanish version is available. (Please click link on left to see PDF.) Parenting Wisely is a 4-hour CD-ROM or video-based program for parents of adolescents. It can be done individually or in small groups. Children can participate with their parents but are not required to do so. It is available in English and Spanish. (See PDF at left for Spanish flyer.) Partnership with schools, educational agencies, faith-based communities, and other organizations provide the opportunity for these classes to be held more frequently and benefit more families. For more information about Strengthening Families and Parenting Wisely, please call Kathy at 360.493.2230 x16