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.