BreakThrough Parent Institute's Profile

Break Through Parent Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children through parent education. Break Through Parent Institute is part of a local community-based parent resource network that offers ongoing classes, workshops, and consultations to all parents.

Break Through Parent Institute also works to fulfill the needs of court-ordered, social service involved parents by providing Extended Parent Education classes that include 8 weeks of WHOA! (Why Hang Onto Anger!), 10 weeks of Breakthrough Parenting classes and 6 months of follow up workshops.

History: Break Through Parent Institute (formerly Breakthrough Parenting Services) was the offshoot of the Parent Development Program at Children's Home Society of Washington. Established in July 2003 by Mollie M. Hughes, M.A., 14-year veteran facilitator, the company received its non-profit status in June 2005. The Institute not only provides ongoing parenting classes for all parents but also networks with court representatives and CPS workers in King and Snohomish counties providing an Extended Parent Education Program (10 months) as an alternative to harsh sentencing for first-time DV offenders, parents at risk of losing custody of their children, and divorcing or separating parents in custody disputes. The Institute has developed a service menu that includes monthly community workshops, presentations aimed at connecting to court/social service professionals and a one-on-one parent facilitator training program.

Goals & Objectives: to provide quality parent education and resources to parents; to recognize the civil and human rights of all individuals; to network with local law enforcement, courts, social service agencies, schools and businesses and maintain a system of support and rehabilitation for all parents; to add to the social assets of the community; to reduce conflicts through dispute resolution and mediation principles; to increase industry standards in parent education by providing quality facilitator training. Our services extend to all parents from all family styles, ages of children, ethnic or cultural backgrounds.

Break Through Parent Institute recognizes the need for high quality, professionally trained facilitators to lead classes and workshops throughout the community. All facilitators hold BA or MA with knowledge of at least three different parenting curriculums. They are often accompanied by mentoring parents who have completed the Extended Program and volunteer their time to help other parents. The Institute prides itself in setting high standards for parent educators from multi-disciplines experienced in addressing a wide range of parental concerns.

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