×

Nurturing Parenting Program to be offered

Child abuse and neglect is preventable. The Nurturing Parenting Program is proven to help families replace negative parenting practices, establish a nurturing way of life and develop healthier, stronger relationships.

Parents with children birth to age 12 can enroll in the program that will be offered in Belcourt, Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Harvey, Jamestown, Minot, Valley City and Williston.

Class dates are Aug. 21 to Dec. 4 in Belcourt, Sept. 5 to Dec. 19 in Minot and Sept. 11 to Dec 18 in Willistion. The Harvey date has yet to be announced.

“According to parent assessments on their attitudes and beliefs before and after the program, evaluation data shows a 40 to 80 percent reduction in the risk of child maltreatment,” said Marlys Baker, child protection services administrator with the North Dakota Department of Human Services. “Parents who complete the program are taking positive steps to strengthen their families. The best part is parents and children attend and learn together.”

The training is a community-based partnership led by trained facilitators who guide families through group learning and discussion that addresses different parenting topics. The classes are conducted in a group setting, with separate parent and child sessions and a family-time activity. Participants complete a pre- and post-session inventory that helps measure their family’s progress and success with the program.

There is no cost to participate in the Nurturing Parenting Program. Preregistration is required. For more information, visit www.ndnurturing.org or call toll-free 855-NURTND (855-687-8163).

Baker said 252 families participated in the program statewide last year. Participants were either self-referred to the program or referred by local agencies.

The Nurturing Parenting Program is sponsored by the North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Children and Family Services Division and administered by the North Dakota State University Extension Service in partnership with the Parent Education Network and other local agencies.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today