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Parenting education and support

Offering classes and resources to parents and foster parents who need support.

About

Being a parent can be challenging. The Department of Human Services (DHS) is here to support you. DHS provides free classes and support groups, as well as Parent Cafés.  

You can be single, a dad or mom, a teen, foster, kin, or an incarcerated parent. Tap into these resources for the support!

Connect

Phone: (215) 727-3687

Parenting Education and Support Groups

Improve your parenting skills and relationships with your children. There are free parenting education and support groups. The groups provide a safe, confidential, and supportive environment. You can learn, give, and receive support from other parents. You can also engage in self-reflection. 

DHS supports family classes and groups for all families. DHS involvement does not matter. Some services may be court-required as a step towards reunification. 

Our wide range of parenting programs includes parent education and support groups. These groups focus on child welfare. There are classes at more than 35 community organizations citywide. Groups focus on various topics, so you can find one to fit your needs. Some sites offer transportation, snacks, or childcare. And many groups are virtual. Be sure to ask when you sign up. 

We offer classes for: 

  • Parents with children in placement.
  • General parenting, open to the public.
  • Women’s empowerment.
  • Incarcerated fathers and mothers at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility and Riverside Correctional Facility.
  • Parenting for non-offending parents who have children who were sexually abused.
  • Teenage parents.
  • Parents coping with trauma
  • Specialty groups for parents raising newborns, toddlers, and teenagers

To learn more about the range of classes we offer and find the best one for you, call (215) PARENTS (727-3687).

Parent Cafés

Parent Cafés are judgment-free spaces. Join other parents to talk, support, and learn from each other. Cafés feature guided open discussions.

Community Umbrella Agencies (CUAs) host Parent Cafés in 10 different neighborhoods. They are open to all parents and adults.

Get help recognizing your strengths. And discover how to build on them. It's a great way to discuss any concerns you may have as a parent and adult.

Parent Cafés remain virtual. They will shortly return to an in-person provider service. Please join us!

To find a Parent Café near you, call 215-PARENTS (727-3687). See a listing of upcoming parenting classes and Cafés. Watch our  video about Parent Cafés to learn more. 

You can also explore our list of parenting education and support groups.


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