Stockton's Families go from Strength to Strength
'Strenghtening Families' is the key message that Stockton's multi agancy services are promoting within communities across the Borough. The Think Family agenda from the Government has enabled several agencies in Stockton to implement some positive parenting programmes. The Strenghtening Families Programme is delivered through Stockton's Parenting Early Intervention Programme (PEIP), and is aimed at families with childran aged between ten and fourteen years who are experiencing problems within their relationships.
The programme started early 2010 and has already had a great response. The course not only seeks to support parents who may be experiencing difficulties at home with their child's behavior but also supports the young people themselves to be better able to deal with their teenage years. The course is designed to address and combat certain issues which affect family life.
Sue Steer, an Anti Social Behaviour Officer for the Safer Stockton Partnership, who also helps facilitate the group sessions, notes, "Families, as we know can at times experience difficulties, and relationships between children and parents can become problematic. The Scheme supports parents in placing boundaries and emphasising consequences to their child's behaviour. The scheme is ultimately about developing effective communication and in-turn developing positive relationships. Evaluation has shown attendence on this course can have a positive effect not only on the child's behaviour at home and at school but also a positive impact on parenting."
The course consists of seven two hour group work sessions with parent and child is based on a referral system which anyone can refer.
For more information regarding the parenting support. please contact Dorothy Nelson ,Parenting Early Intervention Programme (PEIP) Co-ordinator 01642 524608
