Mentoring birth parents through our Parent Support Program
This is a program that DHR and the courts utilize when DHR or the Judge orders visits to be supervised . We over see the visit utilizing approved, screened, FBI fingerprinted, and background checked volunteers. We use local churches to have the visits. This is where we can guide and build a relationship (mentor) the mothers and fathers. We love the fact that this program allows us to guide and help show them they can do life better. This program is what leads us to our Mentoring Program. Mentoring birth mothers and fathers when they are involved. Includes but isn't limited to helping these moms and dads "do every day life". Some examples of this are transporting and taking these parents to appointments like the WIC office, DHR, the grocery store, the pharmacy, the doctors, the library, etc. If applicable we may even purchase the groceries or pay for a doctor visit or doctor or dental procedure, etc. We keep in contact with these parents to encourage them and see how their week is going. We lift them up and help them build confidence. We encourage them and guide them in finding a job and permanent housing if needed. We invite and transport them to church. If they have an area of need and applicable we try and help fill that need or help instruct them on how they can. We come along side them to do life together. We also continue our relationships with parents and foster children post-foster care. Once a parent has been a part of our PSP or Mentoring Program we don't just say "see you later" once they get reunified with their children. They still need a good support system which many of them don't have. We say once you are our friend you are always our friend. For this program we do all of the things listed above and plus some. The awesome thing about this program is that we roll with the punches which is what doing life with someone is about. This allows us to meet the parents where they are at and help where is needed and deserved. We strive to teach and not enable so that they can have a successful life raising their children.