Programs & Services
Responsible Parenting Initiative
Responsible Parenting/Responsible Relationship Awards:
Rewarding Parental Responsibility and Accountability
Overview
The Responsible Parenting Responsible Relationship Awards is a project of Child Inc. in which members of the local community including businesses, faith-based, civic and neighborhood groups, recognize and reward parents for their commitment to responsible parenting and responsible relationships. Parents are recognized for their effort in raising their children responsibly, taking an active role in their child’s early education, and working towards strengthening their relationships.
More than 300 businesses and individuals in the Austin area have joined Child Inc. as community partners in support of Responsible Parenting and Responsible Relationships. The community partners recognize the significance and return of investing in the local early childhood education programs. The business and local community have recognized more than 50 Child Inc. families and presented the families with gifts ranging from assistance with basic needs, household furniture and appliances, family vacations, gifts for the children and refurbished vehicles.
Community partners include local businesses, faith-based community members, individuals, national radio programs and other community agencies that serve young children.
Click Here to View the Responsible Parenting Award Video
History
The Responsible Parenting Initiative began in Austin, Texas in 2002. During the first year, an Austin based collision repair shop joined Child Incorporated to recognize a Head Start family for their commitment to responsible parenting. The businesses awarded the family a newly refurbished vehicle along with six months of free car insurance.
Since then, businesses across the nation and Canada have shown interest in the program. In Central Texas, more than 50 vehicles have been awarded to Head Start families. More than 300 central Texas businesses have supported Head Start and participated in the program with donations ranging from refurbished vehicle, six months of free car insurance, and car seats and gifts for the children.
National recognition by the Department of Health and Human Services:
In 2007, the Department of Health and Human Services recognized Child Inc’s Responsible Parenting Initiative as a model of “Promising Practices in Head Start”. Child Inc was one of only eight programs across the nation to receive the distinguished acknowledgment.
Criteria and Selection Process
To be nominated, the families must meet criteria established by the participating businesses: The families must demonstrate accountability to raising their child responsibly by being actively involved in their child’s life and early childhood education, demonstrate the initiative to become self-sufficient and work towards strengthening their relationships. The businesses expect each Responsible Parenting Responsible Relationship candidate to:
- Be working or in some form of training;
- Demonstrate the initiative to become less dependent on public assistance;
- Demonstrate the desire to raise a child who will become a contributing member of the community;
- Participate in activities which have a long-term impact on the child and the child’s future;
- Receive parenting skills training by attending monthly parent meetings;
- Consistently bring their child to school, maintaining an average daily attendance of 85% or higher;
- Complete and return weekly homework assignments;
- Attend parent / teacher conferences and home visits;
- Volunteer in their child’s classroom
- Attend or have attended the Responsible Relationship Healthy Marriage program.
Click Here to View the Responsible Parenting Community Partnership List
For more information, contact Child Inc at (512) 451-7361 or 1(800)-222-4051
