Parent Education
To meet the responsibilities of parenthood many individuals appreciate the assistance found from neighbors, friends, support group programs and caring communities. Supporting and engaging a parent is central to promoting safety, permanency and well-being amongst children and families. A way communities may engage parents is by implementing parent education and support group programming in local neighborhoods to promote enhanced parenting skills.
PCAK has been the umbrella organization for statewide parent education, support and self-help groups for more than 25 years. Through a network of providers across the Commonwealth, parents are able to discuss common concerns and challenges facing them as parents, while learning basic skills that offer a model of appropriate parenting behavior. Parents are encouraged to learn the basics of child development and the needs of their children so that they are more likely to parent appropriately. Providers make available information about local resources, teaching skills on how to navigate those resources in a manner that allows individuals to improve their support system.
Parent education and support groups are comprised of parents who convene to discuss parenting issues in a variety of ways, including but not limited to group discussion, structured programs based on evidence based curriculum and/or guest speakers provided under the sponsorship of private, non-profit corporations. PCAK supports the philosophy that an effective parent education program should be held on a weekly basis for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks in order to observe behavioral changes in participants. Referrals to these groups come from the court system, Child Protective Services, mental health centers, as well as from individuals who want to become better parents.
To view a listing of self-help, parent education and support group providers, click HERE. For more information on self help, parent education and support group services, please contact
