Because we all want our children to thrive, Children's Wisconsin offers a variety of programs to help support parents and caregivers. Many of these programs are offered in partnership with local agencies and organizations. There is no cost to you.

Portage County Family Resource Center

Family resource centers offer a place for parents to learn to be the best possible parents they can be. Parents can find resources, programs and enjoy activities with their children. Portage County offers the following:

Parenting Class Call to register for the following:

Pathways to Parenting: A 10-session program for parents and caregivers of children birth through age 10.  Topics include child development, communication skills, media, positive discipline techniques and more. Free childcare is provided. Evening classes are offered on an ongoing basis. Participants can begin at any session.

Parents and Teens Triple P: A 10-session program for parents of children aged 12-17 with teens attending 4 of the classes. Triple P’s positive parenting allows parents to decide what is important to them by teaching skills to build good relationships, set boundaries and rules, and follow up with appropriate consequences. Topics include nutrition, encouraging appropriate behavior, managing problem behaviors, negotiation & compromise, stress management and more.

Play and Learn: Fun educational activities that teach skills to help your child develop.  Caregivers and children will enjoy spending time with other families in the community while exploring early concepts which promote school readiness, healthy lifestyles, and much more! Focused on kids 0-6.

Help Me Grow: Ages and stages developmental screenings help you learn about your child’s growth from 4 months to 5 years in areas of communication, fine and gross motor, problem solving, and personal/social skills. After completing a screening, you connect with a Resource Navigator to help make appropriate referrals for development and other family needs.

Parent Resource Line: This is your non-emergency connection to speak with an expert on the day-to-day trials of child rearing and receive practical parenting information, tools, and advice. Call (715) 341-6672 and ask to speak with a parent educator.

   

Family Outreach and Support Services (FOSS): For families who have a child in the home 17 or under and who are not involved with CPS or Youth Justice. This voluntary program is designed to empower families by offering individualized support that meets families where they are. Our team partners closely with parents to strengthen protective environments, build resilience, and promote healthy child development. Parents are supported in building skills that enhance daily living, financial management, and family communication. They are connected to community resources that expand their networks of support. Services are most often provided in-home for 4-6 months.

Strong Start Home Visiting: Strong Start is a long-term, voluntary, home visiting program serving families with children prenatally through age five. The program focuses on early childhood health, child development, literacy and school readiness using Parents As Teachers curriculum and activities, which focuses on empowering parents to become their child’s first and best teacher. These activities not only enhance the attachment and bond between the parent and child, but also support cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development. Home Visitors provide screenings and referrals should a child need more interventions, and parenting education which can reduce stress while increasing safety in the home.

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