Deaconess Children’s Services proudly recognizes Parent Educators, Jenny Martin and Kari Pendray, who have achieved Incredible Years Parent Group Leader Certification.
This achievement by Jenny and Kari means parents can trust the quality of services they receive. The Incredible Years is a proven to work, evidence based group program for parents of children aged 2-7 years, which emphasizes parenting skills to promote children’s social competence and reduce behavior problems, such as knowing how to play with children, helping children learn, using praise and incentives effectively. Parents also learn the importance of consistency, limit-setting and effective strategies to handle misbehavior. One of the program’s unique features is the relationship building between parents and their children, which helps children develop trust, helps reduce childhood stress, and builds their desire to be able to comply with instructions both at home and in other settings.
The Incredible Years programs were developed by Carolyn Webster-Stratton, M.S.N., M.P.H., Ph.D., Professor and Director of the Parenting Clinic at the University of Washington. As a nurse and licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Webster-Stratton has had extensive clinical experience helping over 1,000 families whose children were diagnosed with conduct problems and attention deficit disorder.
To achieve Incredible Years certification, Jenny and Kari each attended three-day Incredible Years Group Leader trainings, have facilitated numerous parent classes and participated in weekly, monthly and semi-annual peer reviews and consultations with Dr. Webster-Stratton.
According to Deaconess’ Vice President of Programs, Chanelle Carlin, Deaconess has been offering the Incredible Years program to parents and caregivers in Snohomish County for three years and is very excited to be able to have two of its Parent Educators with IY Group Leader Certification. The requirements for certification are strict, and our staff have clearly shown their work is of high quality and credible. Jenny and Kari have achieved a level of professionalism and confidence which offers empowers children and their parents to see the greatest success and believe in a life full of possibilities.
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. – Albert Schweitzer
For 114 years, Deaconess has been transforming the lives of children in the Pacific Northwest by breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect and putting Children First!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Helps Children and Parents Thrive
By Marie Preftes-Arenz
Rochelle lost custody of her two children when they were four and five years old. Realizing that she didn’t want to go through life without them, she quickly started working on her goals with her social worker. She found gainful employment, subsidized housing and worked toward making a positive home environment. After two years, her children were returned home to her.
Rochelle began PCIT soon after being reunified with her children. She had several obstacles to face in parenting. First, the children had been placed in separate foster homes, so not only was Rochelle getting used to being a full-time mom again, but the children were getting used to being full-time siblings again. Both children also had behavior management issues and were placed on IEPs at school for learning disabilities. Rochelle, herself, had been diagnosed with a cognitive disability that makes retaining information a difficult task.
Rochelle and her children were referred to Deaconess to help manage all of these challenges and to strengthen their family bonds. Initially, Rochelle struggled mastering some of the PCIT skills, due to her quiet disposition. On the other hand, Rochelle is also a reactive, authoritative parent and would respond quickly to her children’s loud pleas for help, frustration and tantrums. Faithfully, Rochelle practiced her skills. She was surprised to see the fruits of her labor and how her children reacted to her praise, reflections and descriptions during special play time. Even more important, she had learned how to prevent misbehavior, such as, meltdowns, from happening by learning how to have more fun playing with her children and being more proactive and preempting tantrums with positive commands.
By the end of the PCIT process, which is usually between 16 and 20 sessions, parents see notable changes in their children and with themselves. Rochelle watched the tape of her initial play session and was amazed at how quiet she was while interacting with her daughter. She compared this tape with her last session, so she could see first-hand how much she has grown in developing positive parenting skills, self-confidence and, most importantly, how the relationship with her children had blossomed. A smile beamed across her face as she said, “Now, my children have a safe and stable home, but I am also helping them build their self-esteem and I see how their confidence has grown as well!” Positive parenting skills are linked to the healthy growth and development of children. As a preventative measure, it is directly correlated to school drop out prevention and crime prevention. Now, one more child is safe, supported and has a chance to thrive in school and in life.
Rochelle lost custody of her two children when they were four and five years old. Realizing that she didn’t want to go through life without them, she quickly started working on her goals with her social worker. She found gainful employment, subsidized housing and worked toward making a positive home environment. After two years, her children were returned home to her.
Rochelle began PCIT soon after being reunified with her children. She had several obstacles to face in parenting. First, the children had been placed in separate foster homes, so not only was Rochelle getting used to being a full-time mom again, but the children were getting used to being full-time siblings again. Both children also had behavior management issues and were placed on IEPs at school for learning disabilities. Rochelle, herself, had been diagnosed with a cognitive disability that makes retaining information a difficult task.
Rochelle and her children were referred to Deaconess to help manage all of these challenges and to strengthen their family bonds. Initially, Rochelle struggled mastering some of the PCIT skills, due to her quiet disposition. On the other hand, Rochelle is also a reactive, authoritative parent and would respond quickly to her children’s loud pleas for help, frustration and tantrums. Faithfully, Rochelle practiced her skills. She was surprised to see the fruits of her labor and how her children reacted to her praise, reflections and descriptions during special play time. Even more important, she had learned how to prevent misbehavior, such as, meltdowns, from happening by learning how to have more fun playing with her children and being more proactive and preempting tantrums with positive commands.
By the end of the PCIT process, which is usually between 16 and 20 sessions, parents see notable changes in their children and with themselves. Rochelle watched the tape of her initial play session and was amazed at how quiet she was while interacting with her daughter. She compared this tape with her last session, so she could see first-hand how much she has grown in developing positive parenting skills, self-confidence and, most importantly, how the relationship with her children had blossomed. A smile beamed across her face as she said, “Now, my children have a safe and stable home, but I am also helping them build their self-esteem and I see how their confidence has grown as well!” Positive parenting skills are linked to the healthy growth and development of children. As a preventative measure, it is directly correlated to school drop out prevention and crime prevention. Now, one more child is safe, supported and has a chance to thrive in school and in life.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Local Girl Scout Troop dedicates portion of cookie profits to children
Written by Guest Bloggers (aka troop leaders): Jane Baer and Shelley Gowen
Junior Girl Scout Troop, #42467, out of Snohomish, dedicated a percentage of their Cookie Sale profits to doing something for children. One idea was to take a field trip to Build-a-Bear to buy 18 bears. The girls sold over 1,000 boxes of cookies. The girls were given a choice of what bear to make.
Each bear has a satin heart inside specially chosen and filled with love by each girl. Our troop hopes the bears bring happiness to the children that receive them.
Many thanks to Stacey Pfeiffer and Marie Preftes-Arenz for talking to our troop about Deconess Children and for picking up the bears.
Sincerely,
Junior Girl Scout Troop #42467
Junior Girl Scout Troop, #42467, out of Snohomish, dedicated a percentage of their Cookie Sale profits to doing something for children. One idea was to take a field trip to Build-a-Bear to buy 18 bears. The girls sold over 1,000 boxes of cookies. The girls were given a choice of what bear to make.
Each bear has a satin heart inside specially chosen and filled with love by each girl. Our troop hopes the bears bring happiness to the children that receive them.
Many thanks to Stacey Pfeiffer and Marie Preftes-Arenz for talking to our troop about Deconess Children and for picking up the bears.
Sincerely,
Junior Girl Scout Troop #42467
Deaconess Children's Services wishes fond farewell to Board Member Janice Ellis
By Marie Preftes-Arenz
On November 30th, staff from Deaconess Children’s Services, along with many Snohomish County employees and friends, bid Janice Ellis a fond farewell as she leaves her position as Snohomish County Prosecutor. Janice Ellis, who has made countless contributions as a member of the Deaconess Board of Trustees since 2003, is moving to the position of Prosecutor for Tulalip Tribes.
During her farewell reception, colleagues and co-workers described her as a compassionate champion for crime victims, a dedicated leader to her staff, an advocate for the children of Snohomish County – especially for her work with Deaconess and Dawson Place – and most importantly as a friend who can be counted on. Janice was honored with awards from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and a Resolution from the Snohomish County Council and was presented with gifts by members of her staff. About one hundred people attended the event.
Deaconess staff and trustees offer Janice best wishes as she embarks on her new endeavor and thank her for her hard work and dedication in serving the Deaconess child!
On November 30th, staff from Deaconess Children’s Services, along with many Snohomish County employees and friends, bid Janice Ellis a fond farewell as she leaves her position as Snohomish County Prosecutor. Janice Ellis, who has made countless contributions as a member of the Deaconess Board of Trustees since 2003, is moving to the position of Prosecutor for Tulalip Tribes.
During her farewell reception, colleagues and co-workers described her as a compassionate champion for crime victims, a dedicated leader to her staff, an advocate for the children of Snohomish County – especially for her work with Deaconess and Dawson Place – and most importantly as a friend who can be counted on. Janice was honored with awards from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and a Resolution from the Snohomish County Council and was presented with gifts by members of her staff. About one hundred people attended the event.
Deaconess staff and trustees offer Janice best wishes as she embarks on her new endeavor and thank her for her hard work and dedication in serving the Deaconess child!
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