What We Do

The purpose of the Intensive Parenting Program is to create healthy growth in the parenting attitudes and behaviors of the participants. Each class meets twice a week during the evening for three hours, and includes a meal and a time of singing with the children. The program offers an immersion-style study of child development, communication, positive parent/child relationships, and respectful discipline. Each parenting group works with a team of two program leaders.  We draw from an extensive pool of knowledge in parenting and child development in order to offer a rich experience to our parents. The spiral curriculum is designed to help parents walk through their own childhoods, simultaneously learning to see their own children differently. Literacy is emphasized, as parents are encouraged (though not required) to read aloud in class. By the end of the eight-week class, most parents have chosen to participate in reading, nurturing activities, and sharing their own experiences.

In addition to appealing to the intellect, the program speaks to the heart by offering parents a window through which to compare their parenting styles to those of their own childhood caregivers. Each class is different because of the uniqueness of the participants; the curriculum remains the same, but the learning is varied. Nevertheless, many parents experience moments of realization that their own stumbling blocks in parenting are directly related to the traumas they experienced as children. The conversations during class reflect those realizations, and it is through this process that many class participants open their minds and hearts to the changes in their parenting style that we discuss.

Mutual learning occurs between program leaders and parents. Program leaders learn about the culture in which parents have grown up; parents learn from each other and empathize with each other’s situations. As they connect with each other and the leaders, parents begin to trust and to hope.

While the Intensive Parenting Program is taking place, children of the class participants spend time in the Intensive Children’s Program. The program is based on the understanding of children’s reactions to trauma.  Children who participate in the program often have difficulty with self-regulation, impulsivity, trust, decision-making, and problem-solving. Our staff works patiently to create an environment that offers flexibility and creates boundaries without disrespecting the children.

The children are divided into small groups based on age and temperament.  A low children-to-staff ratio is maintained so that each child is met with enough support and flexibility to meet his/her needs. The program creates sensory and relational experiences that help children learn to regulate themselves and build relationships with staff and each other.  Many children who come back to the program weekly begin to appreciate and enjoy the flow of the planned activities and free play. One boy asked, “Can I come here forever?” Baking, singing, using natural materials, and playing freely under the care of kind and compassionate staff help children to feel safe and valued.

The Therapeutic Visitation Program, funded by Dauphin County, takes place in a former probation office building that Samara has renovated to convey the feeling of a healthy, home-like setting. Samara sets up supervised visits for biological parents and their children who are in placement through Dauphin County Children and Youth. Parents and children visit in this warm, inviting setting, where they practice skills learned in the Samara Intensive Parenting Program. Parents move through a four-phase process toward permanent reunification with their children. They are guided by Samara’s highly-trained staff, who work closely to meet parents where they are and assess their progress.  Some parents recognize that, because of addiction or mental health issues, they are unable to independently care for their children.  In this case, Samara staff supports parents and encourages their growth toward a future time when they may be able to resume a relationship with their adult children.