Finding your community, parents who have the same concerns and challenges that you're facing, who understand and don't judge is very comforting. That's why we offer a variety of parent groups so you can find your community, a respectful group who understands your worries, validates your feelings and shares their wisdom. People from all over the country join our virtual parent groups because they share one common thread, they are the parent or primary caregiver of a child who is struggling with their mental health.
Attendance is voluntary. Some people come to just a few meetings when they have something they would like to talk about but others find weekly attendance comforting and develop long-lasting friendships. While regular attendance is encouraged we understand your life is busy and it's not uncommon for parents to join while waiting for their children to finish practice or rehearsals.
The group is run by family support partners and volunteer parent facilitators trained in the Circle of Parents model. Facilitators are not clinicians or experts in parenting, they're simply parents/primary caregivers raising children with challenges just like you. Groups adopt their own rules which include confidentiality and a judgement free forum.
Members are free to participate in whatever way they are most comfortable. Many get the most out of talking and engaging with others, some prefer to listen or ask questions. The group facilitator ensures everyone is respected and has the space they need in the way they need it. You're always welcome to reach out to your groups facilitator before or after a meeting. Plus parents who choose can request to join the Parent Alliance Parent Connect forum. A private space where conversations can continue between meetings.
*Please note - Parent Connect meetings are NOT open to observers or individuals sharing their service information under any circumstances.
What parents are saying
"Parent Connect is a judgement free zone where other parents may be going through the same thing as you are. You can talk about anything that's bothering you without worrying about not being accepted."
"I come to Parent Connect to meet up with other guardians just like me. I learn a lot through our conversations like strategies to help cope with some of the hurt and strong emotions that come up as I'm raising my niece."
About
Parents
When we use the word “parents,” please know that we understand that all families are unique. We see “parents” as someone who is or has been the primary caregiver of a child or young adult who has social, emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. “Parents” may include birth parents, adoptive parents, foster parents, grandparents raising their grandchildren, kinship guardians, step-parents, etc.
Included in our diverse definition of family, we welcome two-mom families, two-dad families, single-parent families, blended families, foster families, guardians and families in which a grandparent is a primary caregiver.
We warmly welcome all families inclusively and openly without judgment.
