Walla Walla’s HomeTeam Parent Aide Program provides a positive role model for parents
Child abuse is a reality and more common than you might think, even in our own community.
Nationally About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse.
Parents today have a lot on their plates. Juggling the demands of work, home and other
responsibilities leaves many parents feeling like they do not have nearly enough time with their
children. Adding multiple life stressors, such as a family history of abuse or neglect, physical and
mental health problems, marital conflict, substance abuse, domestic violence—and financial
stress such as unemployment, financial insecurity and homelessness—may reduce a parents
capacity to cope effectively with the typical day to day stresses of raising children.
But there is Hope, right here in Walla Walla. The HomeTeam mentors parents to build healthy
families. HomeTeam holds the belief that most parents have inner strengths or resources that
can serve as a foundation for building resilience. Empowering parents to seek help and take
steps to combat stress is an integral part of the program.
HomeTeam helps parents identify
and build on their own strengths and empowers them to identify the best strategies to help
them enhance their parenting.
HomeTeam has the resources to make a difference because of the partnership with Walla
Walla Exchange Club, Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, and
Children’s Home Society of Washington.
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