Parenting programme hits home for those on the fringes of gang life
"If we had known what we have learnt today, we would have walked the walk to help our children. …and our families would have been in a better place." A woman hardened by years of living with gangs is tearful when she says these words.
Teresa* is just one of many parents who have taken part in a ten-week parenting programme for South Auckland families who live on the fringes of gang life or are dealing with violence and addiction problems.
Rob Woodley, Manager of Genesis Youth Trust who runs the parenting programme, says, "We bring parents and young people together in way that appeals to Maori and Pacific families. We start by sitting together - the young people, the parents, the therapist, and the youth workers and then splitting into groups to work on specific issues."
Genesis Trust’s Family Therapist developed the parenting programme around the common family issues she has come across when working with families through probation or the courts. The Genesis team uses a many layered approach with the families. This includes providing parenting workshops and individual family therapy and counselling, while a youth worker works individually with the young person.
Rob says, "Our programme focuses on personal responsibility, boundaries, communications skills, and relationship building. For example, we may look at how to build a relationship with a teenage son, and discuss his role in the family and vice versa".
The parenting programme also encourages families to do homework and learn from each other. This may mean they might be asked to spend more time with each other and then talk to the group about their experiences. Even the young people have found the programme beneficial, with one young man saying, "My advice to other young people is to join in, you get good advice."
For more information on Genesis Trust contact Rob Woodley on 09 2500503.
