- Helping parents build constructive friendships and other positive connections can reduce their isolation, which is a consistent risk factor in child abuse and neglect. Isolation is a particular problem for families in crisis or who need intensive help, such as victims of domestic violence.
- Social connections build parents' "social capital", which is their network of others in the community — e.g., family, friends, neighbors, churches — who they can call on to help them solve problems.
- Social connections also enable parents to develop and reinforce community norms about behavior that affects everyone. Norms against violence help reduce child abuse and neglect.
- Friendships lead to mutual assistance in gaining resources all families need from time to time: transportation, respite child care and other tangible assistance as well as emotional support.
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- Potluck dinners with parents and children.
- Sports activities for parents.
- Parent education classes and workshops.
- Helping parents connect with organizations and resources outside the program (e.g. helping find a church.)
- Special outreach and activities for fathers, grandparents, and other extended family members.
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