Building Strong Families
This is a parent-focused program - one aimed at helping parents with cognitive limitations nurture children who are safe, healthy, happy and ready to learn. We believe that parents know their children best, so Parents and Children Together (PACT) builds on the unique strengths of each family to provide customized support and services that help them address the challenges of family life.
How does PACT work?
- A Family Support Specialist (FSS) - specially trained to meet the unique learning styles of the parents - works with parents to decide upon the type and level of services needed
- FSS regularly visits the family in their home and also offers support and problem-solving over the phone
- FSS works with parents on parenting skills, parent-child bonding and child development
- FSS assists with finding, advocating for and coordinating a variety of services, including school and health care
- FSS provides emotional support and facilitates the development of healthy relationships
- Provide instructional materials on parenting
- Facilitate goal-setting with the family
- Children receive regular motor, language, intellectual and social-emotional developmental screenings
- FSS intervenes in crisis situations
- Families are invited to participate in group social events and learning activities
- Parents are provided with long-term support, often until the last child turns 18
What do parents learn?
- How a safe, healthy, positive environment benefits their child's development
- Strategies for encouraging positive behavior
- Ways to promote their child's cognitive, social and emotional development
- The importance of a strong parent-child bond
- Stages of child development
- How to coordinate their own services and health care
- How to connect with community and family-based support networks
How does PACT benefit families in our community?
- Parents are empowered by knowledge and feel confident as parents
- Parents more fully experience the joys and rewards of parenting
- Parents bond with their children, forming strong families
- Children are better prepared for school
- Children are well cared for and connected to resources needed to help them reach their full potential
- Parents develop family and community support networks that help them meet challenges and allow them to be independent
Who is eligible?
- Families in Dane County that are headed by parents with cognitive disabilities
- Must have a child five or under living in the home
Know of someone who could benefit from Parents and Children Together?
Download this pdf and simply fax it to us.
