Public family support programs the mission of ashland parenting plus is to enhance the lives of families in our community by educating and empowering parents; by promoting responsible decisions regarding parenthood; and by offering opportunities for children to learn, grow and mature in a nuturing environment.

Parent education - individual and group provide parent education for anyone in ashland county with costs on a sliding scale based on number of people in the household and household income. Parent education covers the topics of: goal-setting, parenting styles, child development, communication, discipline, and self-esteem, with other topics as indicated. Number of sessions depends upon each client and stated goals/objectives. May be provided in-home or in the office. juvenile diversion provide assessment for all youth referred to the diversion program. Assign the youth to one of our mentors who spends time with the child each week, helping with homework, going to a movie, getting ice cream, playing games, etc. The mentor also has their youth do community service projects to instill in them the desire to give back. prevention - teenage pregnancy prevention meet with youth ages 12-18 in empowerment groups. Focus on issues such as: goal-setting, communication, gender issues, identifying strengths, reproductive biology, risks, std's, contraception, abstinence & refusal skills, consequences of sexual activity, relationships, career choices, future-planning, budgeting, self-esteem, and empowerment. Groups meet for 24 hours of group time and also have mentoring time with their group facilitator. We also provide in-school classes as request of middle and high schools. We present information on reproductive biology, consequences of teen sexual activity, contraceptive information, cost of a child, and std transmission. . Respect - meet with males, ages 12-18 who are classified "at risk" per an at risk assessment and falls below 250% of poverty level. Respect groups create anenvironment that teaches and models respecting and valuing all people,including oneself, authorities and women of all ages with the expressed desire to prevent violence against youth, women and domestic violence. casa - court appointed special advocate. This process involves: investigating the circumstances behind a child's placement in foster care. Interviewing parents, siblings, relatives, foster parents, doctors and teachers. Visiting the child multiple times in various settings. Identifying resources for the child and helping to ensure the child obtains needed services. Reviewing relevant facts of the case. Monitoring and supporting the child as the court case progresses. Writing and submitting a report to the court recommending placement and treatment options that are in the child's best interest. A child with a casa volunteer is more likely to find a safe, permanent home.