DHS | Department of Human Services

Parent Action Network - Get Help With Parenting

The Parent Action Network provides a variety of general and specialty parent support groups in locations throughout the city. All groups are led by trained facilitators and frequently feature guest speakers on topics of interest. Information and referral services are also available. All groups are free of charge to Philadelphia residents. On-site childcare and travel reimbursement to and from meetings are also available. To learn more or register for a group call 215-PARENTS

Parents Groups: These groups provide support and education for individuals who want to enhance their parenting skills. The groups help parents resolve conflict and improve communication with their children. Meetings are led by social workers and former group members and are held in churches, community centers, schools and hospitals. Groups run two hours per week.

Placement Groups: These groups are for parents who have lost custody of their children and wish to regain it or for parents who need to reconcile their feelings about allowing their children to be adopted. Day and evening groups are available as well as a drop-in group for parents who register after groups are full. Special Groups: A variety of special groups are available including:

support groups for parents with children in placement;
three groups for survivors of sexual abuse (one each for children, teens and adults);
support groups for parents and teens (combined);
support groups for teens (male and female);
a self esteem group for women;
a reunification group for parents and children who have been separated; and
a support group for fathers.

The Parent Action Network also provides facilitator training for people interested in running support groups, a speakers bureau specializing in family issues, and information and referral services.

Goals

The primary goal of parenting education is to prevent child abuse/neglect and interpersonal violence. Other goals include:

Promoting the child’s development
Improving child/parent attachment
Improving child/parent communication skills
Increasing self-esteem of participants
Improving child/parent social control
Reducing aggressive behaviors by children and their caregivers.