Strengthening Teen Families in Norristown

Posted by Carson Valley Children's Aid on February 1, 2016

Strengthening Teen Families Fact Sheet
About Strengthening Teen Families Program
Strengthening Teen Families uses the Parents As Teachers curriculum to provide information, support and encouragement to parents so they can help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life. The PAT program is a parent education program that utilizes strength- based, parent empowerment techniques. PAT supports parents to be their child’s first and most influential teacher.

What we offer
* Two Personal visits focusing on parenting issues with a Family Development Specialist
* Quarterly teen group meetings
* A monthly individual session with the teen that focuses on their development
* Screenings to measure a child’s development, hearing, vision or health delays
* Referrals to additional CVCA and community services.

What and Where
Parents will be assigned to a Family Development Specialist. Visits are offered in the parent’s home, Family Center or mutually agreed upon community location and are scheduled during weekday daytime and evening hours as well as Saturday daytime hours. Visit occurs two times a month and last for approximately one hour.

Eligibility and Referrals
Families in the greater Norristown area with children from birth to kindergarten entrance are eligible for the PAT program. PAT is also available for expecting parents. Parents must agree to voluntarily enroll in the program. The program is provided at no cost to the families and there are no income requirements. Referral can be completed by contacting the Norristown Family Center at 610-279-2755 387

Sharing of information
Information shared with the Family Development Specialist is confidential. Family information obtained at PAT visits can only be shared with the specific written consent of the parent. However, there is a limit to this confidentiality. Family Development Specialists are required by law to make a report if they suspect a child is being abused.

Expectations and Responsibilities
Families must maintain regular contact with their Family Development Specialist. It is especially important to notify the Family Development Specialist if contact information such as telephone number or address has changed or if a visit needs to be cancelled or rescheduled. The Family Development Specialist will notify the family in a timely manner if they need to cancel or reschedule a visit.

Participation and ending of services
Participation is voluntary and services can be terminated at any point by the family. Families may also be discharged from PAT if they do not maintain regular scheduled visits. Families will be notified in writing when they are discharged from the program.