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 in the areas of

Delivery Method

Weekly and bi-weekly parent support groups

Program Data

SFY05 SFY06 SFY07 SFY08
Program Expenditure (Numbers in 000's) $100 $100 $100 $100
Number of Grantees 0 1 1 1
Number Served 2190* 1274* 467 510

*Data for FY 2005 -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 Effectiveness

Of 510 parents and caregivers participating in Parents Care and Share parental support groups experienced the following accomplishments:

  • 84% reported a significant improvement in their parenting skills
  • 81% gained increased knowledge of age appropriate child development and behaviors
  • 74% demonstrated or reported improved family management skills
  • 95% demonstrated or reported a sense of belonging and or mutual support
  • 84% demonstrated improved communications and interactions
  • 70% established/maintained informal social support networks.