| PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES |
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| Relief Nurseries |
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Goal
The Relief Nursery model seeks to stop the cycle of child abuse and neglect through intervention that strengthens parents, builds successful and resilient children, and preserves families by offering comprehensive and integrated support services.
What is a Relief Nursery?
Relief Nurseries provide comprehensive family services in quality environments to children under age six in families who are experiencing numerous stresses linked to abuse and neglect. Services are voluntary and may include:
- A variety of parenting education options
- Mental health services
- Substance abuse assessment, counseling, treatment and support
- Family strengthening and preservation programs
- Criminal involvement prevention
- Special education
- Advocacy services
The Therapeutic Early Childhood Program is the cornerstone of the nursery. Children from birth to six participate in a developmentally appropriate early childhood environment. Families typically receive home visits, parenting education and support, and family advocacy. The involvement of parents and families is critical for the children's success. Parents and families are given support in developing parenting skills and learning how to deal appropriately with stresses they encounter.
The Relief Nursery model is based on nationally recognized standards for the best practices in early childhood education and family support. The nurseries connect with other services in the community to help families meet their various needs. The Nurseries are part of the Oregon Children's Plan and work closely with programs such as Healthy Start, Early Intervention for special needs children, and Head Start to ensure children are getting health and education services they need to grow up healthy and prepared for school. Evaluation of Relief Nursery methods has shown that services are highly effective in preventing child abuse and keeping families together.
The Role of OCCF in Relief Nurseries
The Oregon Commission on Children and Families, through local commissions on children and families, provides state oversight and support of Oregon’s Relief Nurseries. Currently, Relief Nurseries are operating in Portland, Eugene, Cottage Grove, Bend, Salem, Albany, Roseburg, Pendleton and Medford.
To contact a local Relief Nursery, click here.
To view the Outcomes and Status Report for the 2005-2006 Program Year, click here
For more information contact:
Pat Pitman
Policy & Program Manager
(503) 378-4658
pat.pitman(at)state.or.us
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