Family Support Program

Providing caregivers with the tools they need to nurture and protect their children

The Challenge

Violence within the family of origin is the one factor most strongly correlated with child abuse and neglect—a cycle of abuse that is likely to continue as victims have their own children. By reaching caregivers and children in our Family Support Program, we can stop the cycle of abuse and neglect.

The Program

The Family Support Program provides treatment groups and education groups each week for families who  have experienced, or are at high risk of experiencing, child abuse or neglect.

The Program Model

  • Targets high-risk populations
  • Employs a variety of intensive treatment interventions
  • Provides a family-focused approach
  • Eliminates barriers to service
  • Accommodates a wide range of special needs including: Spanish Speaking parents, parents with intellectual disabilities, and families raising kin

The Program enhances parenting skills, builds social networks, increases knowledge of child development, and makes parents aware of valuable community resources.

During the 2015–2016 fiscal year, the Family Support Program served 321 caregivers and 127 children—all from families who have experienced, or were at a high risk of experiencing, child abuse or neglect.

 

Adult groups

By participating in adult support groups, parents and caregivers reduce risk factors that lead to abuse or neglect by working on the Five Protective Factors—as identified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau as “conditions in families and communities that, when present, increase the health and well-being of children.” They are:

  • Nurturing and Attachment
  • Knowledge of Parenting and of Child and Youth Development
  • Parental Resilience
  • Social Connections
  • Concrete Support for Parents

Children’s groups

The children’s groups run concurrently with each adult group. The curriculum offers activities that help children cope with their experiences and develop positive relationships with peers and adults. SCAN provides a consistent and structured environment that fosters healthy development.

By reducing risk factors associated with abuse and neglect, families can be healthier and children can live in safer environments.

 

To enroll in a parenting group or refer a client, please call (804) 257-7226 and set up an intake appointment.

To volunteer your time during our Children’s Groups, please visit our Volunteer page.