Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect Through a Parent Education and Support Center
Studies repeatedly show the effects of child abuse and neglect are far-reaching and detrimental. Programs are needed to intervene and stop this horrendous situation. "Parenting Today" (PT) is a parent education and support center established for at-risk families for the prevention of child maltreatment. Qualitative research methods were used to capture the complex interactions and perceptions of the participants at PT in order to discern whether or how the program fulfills its mission. The program is highly effective in large part because of its philosophy and milieu, which has four components contributing to its success: family atmosphere, wholistic approach, affirmation and empowerment, and commitment to change. The caring and accepting environment at PT provides the conditions parents need to change their unhealthy, damaging behaviors.
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