Every individual and family has the power to cope, adapt and make positive life changes.
The School Home Advocacy Parenting Empowerment (SHAPE) Program works to reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect through early, family-directed, in-home, less intrusive intervention aimed at alleviating problems and stresses associated with childcare and parenting.
SHAPE provides education on parenting, stress management, anger management, parent-child relationships, budgeting, and establishing a support system. Program staff is thoroughly trained and experienced in teaching parenting and family life skills as well as knowledgeable about community resources.
SHAPE builds on the family’s strengths and helps them establish goals to eliminate their stressors.
SHAPE assists families to:
Achieve greater control in resolving problems which contribute to abuse and neglect.
Develop appropriate coping skills.
Learn and utilize appropriate discipline techniques.
Improve basic life skills.
Improve parent-child communication and relationships.
Establish a support network and a strong knowledge of community resources.
SHAPE staff achieve this by:
Case management and support.
Assessment of client/family needs.
Advocacy.
Coordination of community services utilized by clients.
Services include:
Parenting and life skills education.
Networking and referral.
Transportation.
At age 40, Maria was in an abusive situation with seven children ranging in age from 2 to 23 and was living with the father of the youngest four. The family came to the SHAPE Program because of the emotional and verbal abuse by Joe, the father. Pinebrook Family Answers’ SHAPE Program works to reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect through early, family-directed, in-home intervention. Maria was reliant on Joe for financial support. A couple of months into working with the SHAPE Program, Joe began disappearing for days, bills weren’t being paid, and the landlord was questioning Maria. Maria was anxious, confused and scared for her children. Susan, the SHAPE caseworker, began working with Maria on a self-sufficiency plan which included finding employment, a reliable car and a place to live. After many discussions and a new-found sense of determination, Maria agreed to move into a shelter with her children.
The first few weeks at the shelter were difficult for Maria and for her children. It was a major transition, but Susan helped Maria find a job as a Home Health Aide, identify a reputable daycare center, and enroll her children in new schools. Her son started receiving Individualized Education Program and speech services and began improving in school. Maria’s daughter was very bright and stood out in the classroom. The school enrolled her in an after-school program that teaches girls about self-esteem and health. The children continued to see their father and the entire family went to counseling. However, Maria filed for divorce after Joe physically assaulted her, and she found out that he was using drugs. Knowing that the shelter was temporary, Susan helped Maria find a suitable apartment and connected her to agencies that help low-income families.
Maria has had to overcome many challenging times in her life – homelessness, domestic violence, children with learning issues, and emotional abuse. What Maria and her children needed was someone to listen and guide them, and Susan and the SHAPE Program provided that. Maria and her children are happy, safe and flourishing. Maria was approved for a mortgage, and she will be purchasing a new home in the next few months.