AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Family Support Services has introduced a new program for children who have been exposed to domestic violence. It's called PATH (Parents As Teachers and Healers) and it offers up a component for the non-abusing parent.
PATH provides simultaneous group counseling for children ages 6-13 and the non-offending parent. The eight-week program is made possible by a grant from the Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation. It takes place at Family Support Services, 1001 S. Polk, Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
It focuses on children who have witnessed and/or experienced domestic violence first-hand. The program incorporates work with the non-abusing parent to begin the healing process through play therapy and filial therapy.
The curriculum for children provides education to increase knowledge about family violence, the cycle of violence, personal safety, and identification of feelings. The parent group emphasizes how violence impacts children, how to increase stability and routines for the children, and strategies to help the children cope. Class size is limited and reservations are required. There is no charge.
To enroll, please contact Molly Rafferty at 342-2511. Classes are also offered in Spanish and can be reserved by contacting Irma Chavez at 342-2522.
