Project Healthy Alternatives was designed to train New Haven Home Recovery (NHHR) supportive housing staff and clients to prevent abuse, violence, and promote family unity. In conjunction with a Health Education Consultant, the primary goal was to enhance overall parenting skills for clients and to educate staff on client centered health issues. NHHR programs include supportive services for over 40 families who were formerly homeless or at risk, and are now living in independent apartments. Supportive services are provided by NHHR staff in the form of in-home intensive case management, referral to mental health services, substance abuse services, child centered services, independent living skills, vocational services, and parenting information. Project Healthy Alternatives was a ten month program designed in three phases. The first phase provided six weeks of training for mothers and children that included topics such as healthy barriers for children, problems with adolescence, and stress management. Needs assessments were done at every level of this program. Staff members worked with the Consultant to facilitate these trainings. The second phase involved designing a staff training manual using a health education model. The purpose of this manual was to assist staff in designing trainings. The third phase of the training focused on parenting skills, children’s needs, and domestic abuse. Six staff directed client trainings were then presented. Overall, 82% of the clients rated the trainings as excellent and felt they increased their communication skills and interactions with their children.
Learning Objectives: 1. To provide education on aspects of parenting, child abuse prevention, and client self growth. 2. Participants will be able to identify issues of parenting related to substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and mental health issues. 3. Participants will be able to create a similar model for child abuse prevention. 4. To exemplify a unique strategy to provide staff development and client education simultaneously
Keywords: Child Health Promotion, Health Education Strategies
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.