Prevent Child Abuse Rockdale was established 29 years ago in our community. PCAR is Newton and Rockdale’s premier provider of parent education and support.
PCAR helps strengthen families in their ability to raise healthy children. The programs provide nurturing parenting principles and proven strategies. PCAR provides educational programs, guidance, support groups and links to community resources as families strive to be more competent and self-sufficient.
First Steps is a parenting support and education program provided to all families of newborns at Piedmont Rockdale (1,000 families were served in 2017 and 32 percent served were Newton County residents). Parents are visited in the hospital shortly after delivery and given a “Parent Packet” of helpful information and resources. Because a new baby requires lifestyle adjustments, First Steps is a safety net for everyone.
During the hospital visit by our coordinator, families are carefully assessed for needs and concerns in order to refer them to community resources and services. Mothers are also offered emotional support, encouragement and a listening ear during this new chapter in their lives. PCAR also provides center and home-based parenting programs throughout Newton and Rockdale counties. All programs are family-centered and designed to build nurturing parenting skills and positive child-rearing practices. The nurturing philosophy of non-violent parenting focuses on the development of empathy, self-worth, self-awareness, empowerment, discipline with dignity, appropriate roles and age-appropriate expectations of children’s development. We are providing weekly parenting classes for pregnant and parenting teens at Newton High School. We also offer our free parenting classes on Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Common Ground Community Church off of Turner Lake Road. (For more information, please contact Jo Ann Compton 678-495- 7112. In 2016 and 2017, we served 1,242 Newton County residents with our prevention programs. We are able to serve in this capacity because of the support of individuals and businesses in our community.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. PCAR has “planted” pinwheels throughout the community to represent the healthy, happy childhoods that every child deserves. On Saturday, April 28, you will have a chance to come out to the Covington Square and show your support by participating in the 5K Walk for Prevention. Registration is only $20.
The board president of Prevent Child Abuse Rockdale, Facie Goodman, has made the statement, “Healthy Families make Healthy Communities” our mantra. Not only is it the responsibility of everyone in the community to protect the children of the community, a healthy, strong community is a direct result of creating healthy, strong families.
Diane Howington is the executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Rockdale. She has a bachelor’s degree from University of Georgia and 18 years’ experience as a social worker (7 years with Rockdale DFCS). She has 20 years’ experience facilitating parenting programs and over 25 years’ experience working with at-risk families. She serves on the board of directors of Rockdale DFCS and Restoration Storehouse.
