To help put parents in the best position possible to help their children thrive, Children’s Wisconsin offers a variety of programs for parents and caregivers. This includes providing in-home and group-based parenting education, support and resources to hundreds of families across the state each year. Even with government and philanthropic support, these programs are often a community benefit.

Using evidence-based approaches, home visitors and parent educators help families to improve physical and mental health, engage parents in their child’s development, education and achievements, empower families to become economically self-sufficient, and promote positive parenting practices. Parents receive the support, mentoring, guidance, education, resources and opportunities for social connections with others so they can provide children with a healthy, safe and supportive environment.

A mom from the Wausau area was homeless and addicted to heroin after years of childhood sexual and emotional abuse when she found out she was pregnant with her second child. With her sister’s help, she sought medical-assisted opioid treatment and supportive services from a nonprofit that helps pregnant women. She signed up for Children’s Wisconsin’s Start Right parenting support program and soon after her healthy daughter was born, her home visitor helped mom along her journey. The Children’s home visitor helped with holiday gifts, seasonal clothing, parent and child activities and goal setting. This mom is proud to have reconnected with her first child, have her own apartment, a steady job and is enrolled in college – thanks to her hard work and Children’s Wisconsin support.