| Contact: | Jennifer Paist Manager of Products and Services 123 North Third Street, Suite 507 Minneapolis, MN 55401 Tel: (612) 332–7563 Fax: (612) 344–1959 |
| Main Purpose: | To strengthen families by improving the quality of parenting in the U.S. |
| Target Group: | Parents of newborns to 3-year-olds |
| Description: | The program uses peer support groups to help strengthen families by reducing the social isolation that can lead to child abuse and neglect. Various program activities are undertaken to increase parents' knowledge of child development; to increase parents' ability to solve problems, make decisions, and manage family life; and to nurture parents' personal growth. Support peer groups meet weekly or twice a month for a period of 2 years. Groups are facilitated by community volunteers who are carefully recruited, trained, and supervised by a local certified MELD professional. The curriculum encompasses health, child development, child guidance, family management, home and community safety, balancing work and family, and accessing community resources. The basic program has been adapted for adolescent mothers and fathers, African American young mothers, Hispanic and Southeast Asian parents, deaf and hard-of-hearing parents, first-time adult parents, and parents of children with special needs. The curriculum and activities can be used by low-literacy audiences and address the concerns of low-income parents. |
| Evaluation: | A MELD Young Moms program was studied at seven sites and found to have resulted in a positive and significant shift in attitudes and beliefs about parenting and nurturing children. Some outcomes included more appropriate expectations in line with the child's abilities; increased awareness of the child's needs and better response to those needs; and reduced belief in the value of corporal punishment. |
(Source: Strengthening America's Families Project, University of Utah, Model Family Strengthening Program Descriptions)
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| Parenting IS Prevention Training of Trainers Workshop, 1998 |
SAMHSA |
Office of National Drug Control Policy