Parents to Parents

Macomb County Family Independence Agency

Volunteer serves as a role model and non-judgmental guide to an adult who is in need of assistance with parenting skills. Children's Protective Services, Foster Care, Juvenile Justice, and Prevention Service make referrals. Involves completion of 4 - session training by MSU-E staff and minimum 6 - month commitment. Hours vary depending on the availability of the volunteer and client to meet, but average between 1-3 hours per week. Assignment could be anywhere in Macomb County, but a match is usually made in close proximity to the volunteer's residence or place of employment.

All potential volunteers are referred to Karen Urquhart at our Volunteer Services office at (586) 412-6114 where they are pre-screened for a possible match to one of our programs. They are then required to complete a registration form, services agreement, and provide three written references. A criminal record, public sex offender, central registry, and secretary of state clearance is requested on every potential volunteer. Once completed, a face to face interview and agency orientation is scheduled.

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Michigan State University Extension

Parent to parent volunteers receive 16 hours of training by MSUE staff. Volunteer Parent Aides are matched with clients referred by the Family Independence Agency and act as parent mentors to at-risk parents, providing friendship and support, as well as teaching positive parenting skills. Parent Aides commit to 6 -month period of weekly home visit with their client, with the schedule determined by their availability. Parent Aides work with the clients on life skills that are necessary for parents: basic parenting skills, child development, discipline, in addition to such topics as community resources, budgeting and nutrition. Parent Aides are given the opportunity to attend monthly support group meetings and receive ongoing support from staff .

For more information , contact Anne McCarthy at (586) 469-7139 or e-mail at Anne.Mccarthy@macombcountymi.gov.


For more information, please click: http://www.mcssb.net