PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS
The Community Child Abuse Council offers Group Programs with a support and psycho-educational focus designed for parents, caregivers, and foster parents whose children have experienced sexual victimization or abuse, or who are concerned about their children’s sexual behaviour.
All Groups are free of charge. Child minding is available.
For more information and group schedule call Janice at 905-523-1020 ext. 12
Courage to Tell
This two-part information session is designed for parents and caregivers who are dealing with a recent disclosure of sexual abuse involving their child. In two informative sessions, parents and caregivers will gain important knowledge in a safe and supportive environment without having to share their story. Participants will learn about:
- How and why children tell about sexual abuse
- How sexual abuse affects them, you, your family and others
- What you can say and do to help
- What happens next: navigating the process
- What resources and supports are available
The group meets for 2 hours each week for two consecutive weeks. Participants must commit to attending both sessions. Light refreshments will be served.
Moving Towards Healing
This 10-week therapeutic group program for parents and caregivers of children who have been sexually abused goes beyond the provision of information. Participants in this small group of 8-12 parents and caregivers will:
- Understand what child sexual abuse is, and how it affects children and families
- Learn more about how to navigate the investigation and court process
- Gain coping skills
- Understand the treatment process
- Develop stronger parent-child relationships
- Learn what will help their child’s healing
- Understand how to create safety & child abuse prevention plans
- Find support from others who are dealing with similar struggles
- Build skills to help themselves, their child, and their family overcome the trauma of sexual abuse
- Regain a sense of control over their lives
The group meets weekly for 1.5 hours in a safe and supportive environment. nvolvement in this group requires that the abuse investigation be completed and that the child be engaged in counselling. Parents are expected to commit to all 10 sessions.
Keeping Safe
This 3-session educational group is designed for parents and caregivers of children with sexual behaviour problems. The group offers parents and caregivers an opportunity to gain important knowledge in a safe and supportive environment without having to share their story. Participants will learn about:
- What is normal sexual behaviour and what is concerning behaviour
- What influences children’s sexual behaviour
- When does sexual behaviour in children become a problem
- What can trigger the concerning behaviour
- How to deal with and mange your own feelings as well as your child’s
- How to develop a safety plan
- What is healthy sexuality and how to teach it to children
Group meets for 2 hours each week, for 3 consecutive weeks. Participants are expected to attend all 3 sessions.
All of our Group programs are based on best practice and evidence-based research and delivered by trained and experienced clinicians. There is no fee for the Group Program. Groups take place at the Community Child Abuse Council offices in Hamilton.
