Parents Care and Share (PCS)
Bureau of Child and Adolescent Health
Division of Community Health & Prevention
Illinois Department of Human Services

Fact Sheets List

Program Page

Program Description

Parents Care and Share (PCS) is a network of self-help parental groups that provide peer to peer leadership and support so that parents and caregivers can, over time, gain self-esteem, overcome isolation and improve their parenting skills by exchanging support and positive parenting suggestions. The Parents Care and Share network is supported by a team of Regional Coordinators that work with local providers to establish groups, train facilitators and support group operations.

Target

Parenting adults, (e.g., natural, adoptive, foster or grandparent) interested in improving parenting skills and reducing parental stress and isolation.

Purpose

Prevention of child abuse and neglect

Services

  • Provide resource materials and consultation on group development to local entities interested in mutual self-help parent support groups
  • Public education through public service announcements, community seminars, etc.
  • Training, consultation, technical assistance and policy information to local groups

Delivery Method

Weekly and bi-weekly parent support groups

Program Data

SFY04 SFY05 SFY06 SFY07
Program Expenditure (Numbers in 000's) $100 $100 $100 $100
Number of Grantees 0 0 1 1
Number Served 1087* 2190* 1274* 467

*Data for FY 2004 -2006 included all families who were served in Parents Care and Share groups without the distinction of DHS and non DHS funding. Data solely on DHS funded activities not available.

Program Accomplishments

  • 73% of parents/caregivers in Parents Care + Share reported a significant improvement in their parenting skills (goal 60%).
  • 70% of parents/caregivers in Parents Care + Share reported a significant improvement in nurturing/healthy relationships in their family (goal 60%).
  • 64% of parents/caregivers in Parents Care + Share reported a significant improvement in their social support network (goal 60%).