The Parenting Education Program of Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4) has recently received a $50,000 grant from The Chicago Community Trust for a three-phase efficacy study. Established in 1996, the Parenting Education Program has provided positive parenting classes, home visits, referrals and ongoing support groups to more than 3,500 low-income, at-risk, ethnically diverse and immigrant families.

“This much appreciated grant will allow us the opportunity to conduct the efficacy study needed for the Parenting Education Program to become an evidence-based model that reflects the real experiences of parents,” said Katharine Bensinger, Program Director of C4’s Parenting Education Program.

Phase one of the study is designed to assess the immediate impact of the parenting education courses. Evaluation of the participants’ knowledge of child development and the participants’ skills in communication, problem solving, and non-violent discipline will be conducted in this phase. Phase two of the study is designed to assess if changes in parenting practices of PEP participants are a direct result of a participants’ participation in the Parenting Education Program. The third and final phase of the efficacy study is designed to assess the impact that participants’ parenting practices have on their children. The particular focus will be on the development and adjustment of each child who has a parent that has participated in the Parenting Education Program.

“The Chicago Community Trust has a long history of supporting systematic change,” said Diana Derige, Program Officer at The Chicago Community Trust. “The investment in C4’s Parent Education Program through an efficacy study would directly impact families in Chicago and would expand the breadth of culturally appropriate models available to all providers and ultimately better serve diverse populations.”

The efficacy study will also enhance previous evaluations that have been conducted on the Parenting Education Program. Urban Network Associates (UNA), an outside evaluation team, has conducted four years of rigorous process and outcome evaluations which have proven the Parenting Education Program to be effective.

“Our plan is to ultimately offer the Parenting Education Program as a model on both a local and national level,” said Bensinger. “Parents are thirsty for parenting support and education. This study will allow C4 to provide this vital support service to more families.”

For more than 90 years, The Chicago Community Trust has connected the generosity of donors with the needs of the community by supporting organizations working to improve our community. With assets of $1.5 billion, the Trust gave its billionth dollar in grants in 2006. From strengthening community schools to assisting local art programs, from building health centers to helping lives affected by violence, the Trust continues to enhance our region. To learn more, please visit the Trust online at www.cct.org.

For more information on C4’s parenting services, contact Katharine Bensinger at 773.765.0829 or katharine.bensinger@c4chicago.org. Interested persons can also visit the agency’s website at www.c4chicago.org.