Annual Report 2007-2008(color).pub - Town of South Windsor

Youth and Family Services
The Youth and Family Services Division provides
support services and programs for the youth and
families of South Windsor. These services
include crisis intervention, short term counseling
and referral services, juvenile justice programs,
parent education and support, prevention
initiatives and a myriad of positive youth
development programs.
In 2007/2008 a total of 4,855 youth and 340
parents participated in our programs and
services. This includes individual counseling,
parent education, support service and positive
youth development groups.
SWAN – South Windsor And Neighbors
Parent Education and Support
The South Windsor and Neighbors Program
(SWAN) provides parenting information and
support programs to families in South Windsor
and surrounding communities. The goal of the
program is to promote positive parenting and
awareness of issues facing today’s families and
children. SWAN programs follow the National
Extension Parent Education Model which
emphasizes care for self, understanding, guiding,
nurturing, motivating and advocacy.
Youth and Family Services’ Parenting Educator,
Ginny Molleur, is also the Vice Chair of CTPEN
(Connecticut Parenting Education Network).
CTPEN recently unveiled their new website,
www.ctpen.org. The website is a great resource
for Connecticut parents and includes information
about regional groups, a calendar of programs
being offered in each region and information on
current initiatives including the development of a
Parent Educator credential.
Youth and Family Services offers ongoing
monthly support groups. These include a support
group for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
and a support group for parents of children with
ADHD.
Parenting classes and programs.
• “1,2,3 Magic” is a practical, easy to use
discipline program to help end whining,
arguing, teasing, fighting, tantrums and
pouting.
• “Kids with Incredible Potential” is a program
for parents of children with ADHD. The
program helps parents and caregivers
increase their understanding of ADHD and
learn new techniques for improving the
parent – child relationship.
• “Living with Teenagers” explores the wacky
world of teens and helps parents transition
to this challenging stage of parenting. The
program gives parents skills to increase
communication, respect, cooperation and
responsibility.
• “Raising Children, Birth to Five”, parents
explore early child development, why
children misbehave, parenting styles and
how to develop a parenting plan.
• “Step Dancing”, a series of classes
designed to help stepfamilies cope with
issues facing blended families. Topics
include communication and problem solving,
the challenges of discipline and how to
promote self-esteem.
• “Raising Financially Responsible Children”,
presented by Ms. Erica Fern, is based on
the book “Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees”.
• “An Evening for Mothers and Daughters”,
presented by Rochelle Ripley of
“Hawkwing”. This unique workshop
i n c r e a s e s c o m m u n i c a t i o n a n d
understanding between mothers and
daughters through activities and
discussions.
• “Play Attention”, presented by New England
Assistive Technology, demonstrated video
game-based technology designed to
increase attention and response control with
children who have ADHD.
• “Autism 101”, presented by the Autism
Society of Connecticut, addressed the
informational and support needs of parents
of children with autism spectrum disorder.
• “Children and Trauma”, presented by
Silvana Scelfo, provided information about
trauma and the effects of trauma on a child’s
development.
36 | Town of South Windsor: Annual Report 2007/2008