Success Story: Coordination between DSS and Fatherhood Programs yields results! Read a success story, click here.
- The Block Parent® Program is the longest running child safety program in Canada since its inception in 1968. That’s almost 50 years of protecting the most vulnerable in our communities. Many Canadians fondly remember their parents participating as Block Parents or perhaps were helped themselves by a Block Parent.
- What do you consider to be the parent or family’s role in a child’s education? Schools talk about the importance of “Parent Involvement” or “Parent Engagement.” Schools use these terms to mean several different things. Some of the main ways parents are “involved”—or participate are by:.
The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) does not have the authority to address custody and visitation issues on behalf of either parent. The CSSD can only assist in the establishment of paternity and the establishment and enforcement of a child support order. The CSSD is focused on making sure the non-custodial parent lives up to his/her financial responsibility in raising the child.
The CSSD, however, realizes that a parent's responsibilities do not begin or end with financial support. In order for a child to receive the fullest upbringing possible, the child must have the financial and emotional support of both parents. The more involved both parents are in the raising of the child, the better off the child will be.
Realizing the importance of both parents being involved with the child, the CSSD has initiated a pilot project called Visitation Involvement Parenting (VIP), in which the CSSD provides mediation services for the parents to establish a plan for access and visitation so that the child will have the benefit of both parents taking an active role in their life. The VIP Program also provides employment and training services for the non-custodial parent so that he/she can adequately provide financial support for the child and the VIP Program will provide instruction to both parents on how to request help from the Family Court to enforce the visitation order.
Parent Education Knowledge of child development and parenting practices significantly increases when caregivers have participated in parent education programs, such as Parents as Teachers. Parents engage in more language and literacy promoting behaviors with their children and are more involved in their children’s schooling.6.7.
As a pilot program, the CSSD can only provide the VIP Program in the following counties: Allendale, Beaufort, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Chester, Colleton, Dorchester, Fairfield, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Lancaster, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Richland. In order for the VIP Program to be available to you, both parents must live in one of these counties or the custodial parent must live in one of these counties and the non-custodial parent must agree to travel to the county where the custodial parent lives for any classes or mediation sessions.
If you are interested in the VIP Program in Allendale, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Hampton, or Jasper Counties, please contact:
Latosha Jenkins-Fludd
VIP Program
Child Support Services - Charleston Office
3346 E. Rivers Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: (843) 953-9246
Fax: (843) 953-9155
If you are interested in the VIP Program in Calhoun, Chester, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Newberry, Orangeburg, or Richland Counties, please contact:
Linda Cook
VIP Program
Child Support Services - Columbia Office
PO Box 1270
3150 Harden Street Ext., Suite 103
Columbia, SC 29202-1270
Phone: (803)898-9350 or 1-800-768-5858
Email: Linda.Cook@dss.sc.gov
Parent education programs focus on enhancing parenting practices and behaviors, such as developing and practicing positive discipline techniques, learning age-appropriate child development skills and milestones, promoting positive play and interaction between parents and children, and locating and accessing community services and supports. The following programs and resources have been useful in supporting parents and strengthening parenting skills.
ACT-Raising Safe Kids (ACT-RSK) program
Outlines the ACT/Parents Raising Safe Kids program that focuses on educating parents and caregivers to create early environments to protect children from violence and maltreatment.
Changing Children's World Foundation
Offers an International Child-Parent Development Program (ICDP), an evidence based parenting program, which provides parent education and support.
The Circle of Security
Increases parent-child interactions and parental awareness to enhance attachment security between parents and children.
The Incredible Years
Describes a research-based program for reducing children's aggression and behavior problems and increasing social competence at home and at school.
Just In Time Parenting
Cooperative Extension System
Provides research-based information to families in factsheets and newsletters, and connects parents to age-appropriate resources and expert advice.
The Nurturing Parenting Programs
Outlines a family-based program that involves both parents and children in activities, focusing on building a positive regard for self and others. Several programs focus on specific age groups and racial populations.
Parenting Inside Out® Program
Focuses on the Parenting Inside Out program, an evidence-based parenting skills training program developed for criminal justice-involved parents, including those parenting from prison and parents on parole. The program has a proven impact on reducing recidivism and criminal behavior while improving family relationships and parenting skills.
Parents as Teachers
Parents as Teachers is an international early childhood parent education and family support program designed to enhance child development and school achievement through parent education accessible to all families. The program is rated as a well-supported practice by the Title IV- E Prevention Services Clearinghouse.
PEP – Educating Parents, Enriching Families
The Parent Encouragement Program
Provides classes, events, and other educational resources to parents who care for children of all ages. This nonprofit educational organization serves parents, grandparents, caregivers, and teachers from all communities and offers classes, workshops, community talks, and more.
Involved Block Parenting Programs
Triple P - Positive Parenting Program
Presents a multilevel parenting and family support strategy that aims to prevent severe behavioral, emotional, and developmental problems in children by enhancing the knowledge, skills, and confidence of parents.
Tuning in to Kids
Describes a parenting program that helps children learn to understand and regulate their emotions to improve the well-being of children and decrease behavioral difficulties as they age.
Involved Block Parenting Programs Template
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