Nurturing Families Program

The Nurturing Families Program is an evidence-based, trauma-informed initiative that provides parent education and support for families involved with the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) in Rock Island, Henry, Knox, Warren, Mercer, Whiteside, Carroll and Henderson Counties. Program length varies from 16 to 23 weeks, with sessions offered in-home, in-office, and/or virtually.

Program goals

Engage families in learning new parenting perspectives and exploring relationship beliefs.
Increase knowledge and skills that promote safe, nurturing parenting.
Replace abusive or harmful parenting behaviors with healthy alternatives.
Strengthen parents’ understanding of age-appropriate expectations.
Build skills to support attachment, emotional nurturing, and positive family relationships.

Program referrals and eligibility

Available to biological parents or family members with an open case through Illinois DCFS.
There are two tracks for this program: one is designed for parents of families that are still together; the other is tailored for parents whose children have been removed from the home due to abuse or neglect.