What We Do: Programs & Services

PCAT programs are provided directly or in collaboration with community partners across Tennessee to strengthen families and reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect through services offered free of charge to families in three major programs: Tennessee Helpline, Circle of Parents and Parent Pathway

Circle of Parents uses a mixture of support and education for parents that are experiencing parenting difficulties. Parenting education and support groups meet weekly and focus on topics such as child development, alternatives to corporal punishment, behavior modification techniques, and increasing capacity to nurture.

Parent Pathway offers in home parent coaching, support and information to expectant parents and families with at-risk newborns. Though parents in crisis can self refer to Parent Pathway, the program primarily receives referrals from other community agencies, such as area hospitals, local health departments and mental health centers. Family support counselors offer emotional support, discuss infant care and development, model parenting skills, and link families with community resources. Parents are eligible for the program if they are in the last trimester of pregnancy or the child is less than six months old. Parent Pathway counselors remain with the family for a minimum of one year, working to build strengths and support networks.

The mission of PCAT is also carried out through Advocacy Efforts, Public Awareness Campaigns, and the Nurturing Parent Education program for families involved with the Department of Children’s Services.

Advocacy Efforts are designed to achieve public and private sector policies and programs aimed at child abuse and neglect prevention through collaboration with Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Child Advocacy Centers, Department of Human Services Child Care Resource Centers, Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare and other child advocacy groups.

Public Awareness Campaigns create public awareness around the issue of child abuse and neglect. In the month of April PCAT coordinates activities with other community agencies that focus attention on the issue of child abuse and neglect and advocate prevention strategies as a community responsibility. As a member of the statewide Child Abuse Prevention Advisory Council, PCAT provides information and leadership to legislators, state departments and communities on prevention issues.

Nurturing Parent Education Program, through a statewide service provider contract, is offered to families that have been involved with the Department of Children’s Services. These classes are 12 weeks in length, have been proven to reduce abuse and neglect, and are designed especially for families that have substance abuse issues.