Prevent Child Abuse Henry has recently started offering a new program called Parenting Matters, a home visiting program that supports families with an evidence based Nurturing Parenting curriculum. 

  “The Parenting Matters program is designed to increase parenting knowledge and skills,” said Robin Jones, Coordinator for Prevent Child Abuse Henry & First Steps. “It is a tool for reducing the risks, attitudes and behaviors associated with child abuse and neglect.”

  Parenting Matters is for Henry County residents that have a child ages 0-5 or a pregnant woman that is in her 3rd trimester.  Group parenting classes are also available. These services are offered at no charge.

“This program is about helping them to be the best parent they can be,” said Antoinette Paragon-Singh, home visitation instructor.

  A pre-test and post-test is given to participants that enroll in the program to measure progress following the topics covered in the home visiting program. 

  “Our goal is that after completing the program, there will be significant post-test gains in positive personality characteristics, family functioning, parenting beliefs and knowledge of positive parenting strategies,” said Jones. 

  The program addresses positive discipline, communication, understanding feelings and building self worth, praising good behavior, child development, dealing with stress and anger, developing family values and rules as well as enhancing positive brain development. There will also be a financial literacy component included in the program.

  “I go into their home and provide them with parenting skills,” said Paragon-Singh. “I talk to women about nurturing themselves, about unrealistic expectations with children based on age, alternative discipline methods, and the importance of communication between spouses children.”

  Prevent Child Abuse Henry is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect in all forms. 

“Our goals are to stimulate public awareness, educate the community about child abuse prevention and to provide prevention programs in Henry County,” said Jones. 

  Prevent Child Abuse Henry leads the community coalition “Paint Henry Blue” for child abuse prevention month, offers the Darkness to Light “Steward’s of Children” child sexual abuse prevention training and the First Steps program that offers support, current parenting information and referrals to new parents, as well as offering new the Parenting Matters home visitation program.

  For more information about Prevent Child Abuse Henry or the new Parenting Matters, please call 678-697-8500 or visit their website at www.preventchildabusehc.org.