Advocates for Families

Parent education - individual and group provide parent education for anyone in Ashland county with costs on a sliding scale based on number of people in the household and household income. Parent education covers the topics of: goal-setting, Parenting styles, child development, communication, discipline, and self-esteem, with other topics as indicated. Number of sessions depends upon each client and stated goals/objectives. May be provided in-home or in the office.

Prevention - teenage pregnancy prevention meet with youth ages 12-18 in empowerment groups. Focus on issues such as: goal-setting, communication, gender issues, identifying strengths, reproductive biology, risks, std's, contraception, abstinence & refusal skills, consequences of sexual activity, relationships, career choices, future-planning, budgeting, self-esteem, and empowerment. Groups meet for 24 hours of group time and also have mentoring time with their group facilitator. Groups are female or male only. We also provide in-school classes as request of middle and high schools. We present information on reproductive biology, consequences of teen sexual activity, contraceptive information, cost of a child, and std transmission. Respect - meet with males, ages 12-18 who are classified "at risk" per an at risk assessment and falls below 250% of poverty level. Respect groups create an environment that teaches and models respecting and valuing all people, including oneself, authorities and women of all ages with the expressed desire to prevent violence against youth, women and domestic violence.

Youth intervention services provide assessment for all youth referred to the diversion program and determine if youth are appropriate. Accepted youth are assigned a same-sex mentor to meet with weekly for support and encouragement. Coordinate with other involved agencies and/or juvenile court to monitor progress. Assign the youth to one of our mentors who spends time with the child each.

Casa - court appointed special advocate. All casas work on a volunteer basis. They are members of the community who have been trained to advocate in court for the best interest of an abused or neglected child. Casa volunteers are assigned to a child for the duration of a case, some of which can last for years. Statistics tell us that most children in foster care stay in the system for nearly two years, during which they may change residences as many as three times. Casa volunteers are there throughout. Because each move means new foster parents, new teachers, a new principal, etc. Casa volunteers frequently become the only consistent adult presence in the child's life. The Ohio casa association is a 501(c)3 corporation.