 Metropolitan's Parent Development programs and services support parents in acquiring skills that promote the healthy growth and development of children. To find out if you're eligible for programs, call Metropolitan Family Services at 312-986-4000.
Programs Include
Differential Response (Pathways to Strengthening & Supporting Families)
A strength based, family focused response for families at risk of DCFS involvement. It is a voluntary 30 to 90 day intensive case management program to engage families in services needed to keep children from becoming involved in the DCFS system.
Extended Family Support
Provides wide-ranging services for relative caregivers who face issues that threaten the safety, stability and placement of the child within the home. Extended Family Support helps relative caregivers obtain guardianship, apply for public aid grants, advocate with the schools, and access other community resources and referrals. The program is funded by DCFS.
Healthy Families
Serves first-time mothers. Case managers make regular home visits beginning during pregnancy. Sessions teach child development and baby health care, enhance parenting skills and build confidence so mothers can create strong nurturing relationships with their babies.
Mentors of Mothers (MOMs)
Is a school and community partnership that delivers services to pregnant and parenting teens in Chicago Public Schools. Mentor moms and teens meet for group sessions to enhance healthy parent involvement with their children, prevent child abuse, avoid unplanned second pregnancies and to support academic success.
MOMs Plus
Is offered to pregnant and/or young mothers ages 13-21 who are DCFS wards. The program provides home-based counseling services and support groups to help increase the mother’s knowledge of parenting skills, promote healthy child development, create supportive networks among young mothers, address trauma that may impact emotional and/or behavioral functioning, and link foster families and caregivers to resources.
Parents as Teachers (PAT)
Provides parent education services to families with children ages birth to 3 years. Through home visits, family nights, play groups, developmental screenings and other services, parents increase self-confidence and competence as their child’s first and most influential teacher, providing a solid foundation for their child’s success in school.
Parents Plus
Promotes healthy child development and helps strengthen the parent’s role as their child’s first teacher. Parents with children ages birth to 3 years participate in a drop-in program which includes parent-child play activities, field trips, parent education, skill building and resources. Parents Plus also helps promote literacy for parents.
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