GRADE: B-

Issue Statement:

According to the Boone County Health and Human Services Needs Assessment, Boone County residents ranked "children not getting enough attention, discipline, and guidance from their parents" as second in their list of concerns. Parents do not automatically know how to guide their children most effectively, however, there is much information from research on parenting styles, techniques, and strategies that would be useful to them. This information, which provides the basis for effective parent education has been packaged in a variety of formats to meet the diverse needs of parents. Linking specific information of value to parents with the parents in an affordable and accessible manner is the challenge. "We know that when economic conditions of families are improved, or when services such as parent education and support are offered, outcomes for children, siblings, and families improve (Roberts & Wasik, 1990;Seitz & Apfel, 1994)." In a recent study by the Public Agenda (1994), 55% of the parents surveyed "said that they themselves are doing a worse job of parenting than their parents did. When asked if a child was more likely to succeed if he or she came from a stable and supportive family but attended a poor school, or if he or she came from a troubled family but attended a good school, 61% of the parents said the child with the more stable family had the better chance of success" (Sharon Kagan, 1997)

• Some parents do not realize that parent education is an option because existing opportunities have not been adequately promoted.

• There is a lack of programs for the parents of school-age youth. The monthly calendar of parent education programs is weighted heavily toward families with preschoolers.

• More children are growing up in non-traditional families, including families with grandparents in the traditional parenting role.

• Recent expansion of parent education jobs and programs reflects the increased demand for support in raising families.

• There is increased availability and accessibility of parent education programs in Boone County through the Parent Education Directory and the Parent Education Calendar.

• Resource centers specifically for parents have been implemented in Hallsville and at Derby Ridge School in Columbia.

• Funding will continue for development of resources for parents.

• Emphasis on programs for fathers will continue as their critical role in child development is spotlighted.

Progress Statement:

Boone County saw an increase in parent education offerings and access during 1999. More classes were offered by local agencies and hospitals. Parent resource centers were developed. The Child Care Consortium, with funding from the Department of Social Services added a new Columbia Public Schools PAT educator position. Programs and initiatives related to specific segments of parenting (e.g. grand parenting and fathering) were implemented through MAP and the Grandparent Support Group. The Parent Education Community Directory and monthly calendar was updated and disseminated. Both availability and access have been improved, but this goal is not yet met.

Goal:

To improve family functioning by increasing parent education opportunities especially among underserved parents.

• Continue to disseminate information regarding parent education opportunities such as the monthly parent education calendar.

• Encourage participation in parent education by improving access through efforts such as the Parent Education Directory.

• Co-sponsor and encourage the development of Parents Anonymous Groups in Boone County.

• Provide support for parent education initiatives targeting specific segments of parents such as grandparent, fathers, and teen parents.

• Expand parent education resources for parents in the outlying areas of the county.

• Expand parent education and resources for parents through the development of resource/centers and parent corners.

• Develop a website to support parent education in Boone County.

• Create a mechanism that will provide feedback from a variety of parents.

• Explore the connection between lack of parent education and decreased development.

• Provide support regarding parent education to other Health Report Card teams (e.g. Teen Pregnancy, Substance Abuse, Dropout)

• Encourage Practical Parenting Partnerships or other school age parent education programs in schools throughout the county.

• Explore the development of a relationship with the faith communities to make parent education more available.

• Provide networking opportunities for organizations that support parents and parent educators.

Contact: