For families referred by Foster Care Workers: The program provides all that it listed above as well as the opportunity for children and parents to interact in their home environment, as opposed to at the DHS office, while increasing their family bonds. Parents are encouraged to assist their children with transitioning back and forth between the supported visits and the foster home. Mot parents have already completed parenting classes and they use the skills they have learned with their children, with the support and guidance of the instructor. These families are on the reunification track and unsupervised visits are generally the next step in the reunification process. Many families have shared feeling they are more successful as parents after they received these services.

 

For more information please contact Melissa Savage 586-573-1817

 

Visitation Coaching services are provided to families living in Macomb County, who have children in the foster care system. This program provides services similar to the In Home Parent Education Program, however services are more intensive. Transportation of the children to and from the visits is provided if needed, and monthly support groups are held for interested parents. Services are provided weekly and can last for up to 6 months, depending on the family’s needs. The role of the Visitation Coach is to educate the family, encourage the strengthening of parent-child bonds, and provide links between the foster parents and birth parents, which will ultimately lead to more positive experiences for the children during visits.

 

For more information please contact Lori Attan 586-573-1815

 

Completing parenting classes is generally one of the requirements for families who have CPS involvement, or whose children are currently residing in Foster Care. Parent Education classes are 2 ½ hours in length and run for 15 consecutive weeks. Parents are able to learn appropriate, non violent parenting skills while slowly examining their attitudes and beliefs about parenting. Many parents have initially stated that they did not need parenting classes, however upon completion of the program, have reported that they and their children have benefited from what they have learned and they are calmer, more nurturing parents who feel more comfortable and confident in their role as  parents.

 

For more information please contact Lori Attan 586-573-1815