Find resources on implementing parent support groups, engaging and retaining parents, and the benefits of parent support groups.
Is Anyone Out There?: Finding Support as a Birth Mother (PDF - 148 KB)
Strickland (2015)
Adoption Advocate, 88
Discusses grief and loss experienced by birth mothers when they place their child for adoption. This resource provides strategies for professionals working with grieving birth mothers, including developing a support system, regular check-ins, and acknowledging Mother’s Day.
One Step at a Time: A Parent-to-Parent Guide to the Child Welfare System (PDF - 4,116 KB)
Rise Magazine (2015)
Compiles articles written by parents with experience navigating the child welfare system.
Parent Group Development
North American Council on Adoptable Children
Describes different types of parent groups and examines how they function. The groups consist of frustration venting, mutual support, service, and advocacy groups.
Parent Group Guidance
North American Council on Adoptable Children
Provides links and guidance on topics related to parent support groups including on how to start a group, how to improve a group, adding programs or services to a group, training for parent groups, and more.
Parent Peer Support Programs in In-Home Services (PDF - 272 KB)
National Resource Center for In-Home Services (2014)
Summarizes the theory and research behind parent peer support groups, provides examples of various peer support programs, and outlines resources for child welfare agencies that wish to implement these types of programs.
The Step-By-Step Guide to Starting a Parent Support Group in Your Office
Lifeworks (2018)
Presents information for parents on how to start a support group in your workplace. Building a workplace culture that helps parents obtain a better work-life balance is important and can help parents deal with issues at home more successfully.
Toolkit for Transformation
International Parent Advocacy Network and Rise
Presents a toolkit for parents involved with the child welfare system that helps them learn from and relate to each other's experiences. The toolkit seeks to build the power of parents involved with child welfare to advocate for change, support other families going through the system, and connect with parent advocates.
Voice of the Child DVD Training Resource: Running Parenting Groups for Adoptive Parents and Foster or Kinship Caregivers
Willow (2014)
Child Abuse Review, 23(6)
View Abstract
Reviews a DVD training resource aimed at helping professionals develop their skills in working with children and young people. The article depicts teenagers with extensive experiences with adult workers in discussing their needs, and emphasizes listening and respect as the means to work with children and young people successfully.