Parenting Programs for Homeless Families: A Psychodeducational Model Presented by: Mary C. Herrington, Coordinator Richmond Regional Homeless Education Program Richmond Public Schools 2020 Westwood Ave. Richmond, VA 23230 804.780.6288 mherring@richmond.k12.va.us
Barriers to Healthy Parenting
Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse need for security need for support need for encouragement to be separate, unique individuals need to feel protected need to experience consistent feelings of love, belonging and feelings of their own worth
Societal and Cultural Beliefs in the Value of Physical Punishment use of corporal punishment has been condoned in our society denial
Recovery from Substance Abuse effects of physical/emotional withdrawal fears of relapse lack of family support feelings of isolation guilt narcissism/lack of empathy
Fear of Intimacy and Responsibility of a Committed Relationship dealing with loss inability to form a close bond with their children
Chronic Mental Illness need for psychiatric interventions psychiatric evaluation and medication assessment
Group Model
A Psychoeducational Approach to Parenting Premise: Education in appropriate parenting and child rearing practices coupled with insight into past experiences with parental role models are important treatment and intervention strategies in which to offset the generational perpetuation of dysfunctional parenting practices.
The Psychoeducational Model hybrid of education and personal insight therapeutic learning in a psychoeducational structure
Group Experiences cognitive level (knowledge based) affective level (emotional)
Cognitive Level Constructs: developmental expectations self-esteem communication skills behavior management anger management personal values
Affective Level childhood and adult history becomes the focal point GOAL: Integration of the ideas about child development, parenting, and the relationship between past parenting experiences
Teaching Empathy shift from ego-centered to becoming more child centered using group process to connect child’s feelings through their own experiences using group process
Open Group Challenges: group cohesiveness trust resistance cognitive functioning lack of child care