Coalition of organizations come together to increase the availability of effective parent education programs in the community.

HOUSTON, TX (October 22, 2012) –Research has demonstrated that parent education has a positive impact on a range of child, family, and community outcomes including lowering rates of social, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children, parental stress and anxiety, and child maltreatment. Parent education also improves school readiness and family relationships.

With this year’s education budget cuts, it’s imperative that something is gained to make up for what has been lost.  Dr. Bob Sanborn, president and CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK, along with community advocates, will announce the findings from the Center for Parenting and Family Well-Being’s assessment of parent education.  Over 50 organizations across Harris County have come together to create a system to give more parents access to parenting classes that will greatly enhance the development of children.

Key Facts:

Less than 1% of parents in the greater Houston area have access to proven effective parent education classes

  • Many of the parenting classes that are available target parents that are court ordered to attend
  • The United Way’s 2-1-1 Help line has seen a 61% increase in requests for parent education programs between 2008 and 2011
  • Research studies have shown that by implementing parent education across a community, the number of young children with emotional and behavioral disorders can be reduced by 22%.

Additionally, Community Health Choice has awarded CHILDREN AT RISK $200,000 to conduct a pilot in the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) Program.  This funding will allow us to train 80 providers in the parent education program, Triple P, at Spring Branch ISD, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, DePelchin Children’s Center, and the Boys and Girls Club.  During the press conference, Ken Janda, president and CEO of Community Health Choice, presented CHILDREN AT RISK with a check.

Read CHILDREN AT RISK’s full report on parent education: The State of Parent Education in Houston, Texas: An Opportunity to Strengthen Family Well-Being, Prevent Child Maltreatment, and Prepare Children for a Brighter Future.