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Children don't arrive in this world with instruction manuals that counsel parents on how to raise them successfully. Some parents-to-be realize that and they attend parenting classes, read books and seek advice from professionals on becoming a parent.
Others rely on what they've known in their own home. Sometimes that works out OK, but when there's been abuse or neglect in a family, that's not the kind of example we'd like to see young parents follow. We know it's difficult to break away from those learned behaviors.
A fresh start for parents who think they might be at risk of abusing or neglecting their children can be found at the Family Development Center on the nonprofits campus in north Roseburg.
We were impressed and pleased to see how the center, also known as a parent-relief nursery, fared in a recent statewide study.
Out of the 401 high-risk children served by the Family Development Center in 2008, only six were placed in foster care. The situation in all of the others' homes improved to the point at which parents were able to successfully care for their own children.
That equals a 97 percent success rate for the center, which works with children who are between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years old.
Those are exactly the kinds of results we need to see in Douglas County if we are going to see a decline in the number of children who are abused.
Statewide, the study conducted by NPC Research of Portland looked at all 11 relief nurseries and found 98.4 percent of the children served had no subsequent contact with the Child Welfare office.
Charlene Strasser, executive director of the Family Development Center in Roseburg, says the survey points to the effectiveness of the center's programs. We know a caring staff committed to its mission is another factor — along with the volunteers and financial support of those in our community.
The fact that the center's services are offered for free, and include home visitation as well as classes at the center for parents and children, is another aspect contributing to its success.
The study turned up other encouraging results that show the families being helped are headed in the right direction.
The number of families exhibiting positive interaction with their children increased from 56 percent to 80 percent over a year's time. Those with steady employment also increased, from 18 percent to 31 percent.
In addition, fewer families found themselves using hospital emergency rooms for routine health care. The number fell from 52 percent to 38 percent.
We've often noted the importance of having the Family Development Center in our community and we've praised those who have contributed to it financially so more children and parents can avail themselves of the services. Today, we're proud to read its report card and extend our congratulations for a job well done.
We hope for continued success at the Family Development Center because it means our community is becoming an even better place to raise a family.
Others rely on what they've known in their own home. Sometimes that works out OK, but when there's been abuse or neglect in a family, that's not the kind of example we'd like to see young parents follow. We know it's difficult to break away from those learned behaviors.
A fresh start for parents who think they might be at risk of abusing or neglecting their children can be found at the Family Development Center on the nonprofits campus in north Roseburg.
We were impressed and pleased to see how the center, also known as a parent-relief nursery, fared in a recent statewide study.
Out of the 401 high-risk children served by the Family Development Center in 2008, only six were placed in foster care. The situation in all of the others' homes improved to the point at which parents were able to successfully care for their own children.
That equals a 97 percent success rate for the center, which works with children who are between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years old.
Those are exactly the kinds of results we need to see in Douglas County if we are going to see a decline in the number of children who are abused.
Statewide, the study conducted by NPC Research of Portland looked at all 11 relief nurseries and found 98.4 percent of the children served had no subsequent contact with the Child Welfare office.
Charlene Strasser, executive director of the Family Development Center in Roseburg, says the survey points to the effectiveness of the center's programs. We know a caring staff committed to its mission is another factor — along with the volunteers and financial support of those in our community.
The fact that the center's services are offered for free, and include home visitation as well as classes at the center for parents and children, is another aspect contributing to its success.
The study turned up other encouraging results that show the families being helped are headed in the right direction.
The number of families exhibiting positive interaction with their children increased from 56 percent to 80 percent over a year's time. Those with steady employment also increased, from 18 percent to 31 percent.
In addition, fewer families found themselves using hospital emergency rooms for routine health care. The number fell from 52 percent to 38 percent.
We've often noted the importance of having the Family Development Center in our community and we've praised those who have contributed to it financially so more children and parents can avail themselves of the services. Today, we're proud to read its report card and extend our congratulations for a job well done.
We hope for continued success at the Family Development Center because it means our community is becoming an even better place to raise a family.
