CHSW's HomeTeam program provides critical support and guidance to families who are socially isolated or experiencing high levels of stress. All families enrolled in the program have risk-factors for abuse and neglect, whether it be a history of childhood abuse, alcohol drug abuse by themselves or family members, poverty, homelessless, or a lack of a support system. HomeTeam is voluntary; parents come to CHSW seeking services to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect to not let their personal circumstances affect the development and well-being of their children.

"When we first meet with a parent, their main motivation is to become a better parent then their parent" states Stephanie Biegel, Clinical Specialist. "These parents are ready and willing to change for the sake of their children."

HomeTeam parents all have children under the age of 12, and many are single mothers, many of whom have never had a positive role model in their life. While many parents enroll in HomeTeam to apply new parenting skills with their children at home, other parents are working on a safe reunification with their children that have been removed from their home through Child Protective Services. Regardless of their circumstances, parents learn to build self-confidence, self-esteem and coping skills and all parents benefit from the program by coming to understand the developmental needs of their children while also learning how to manage their home environment more effectively. Children benefit by being raised in a positive and nurturing environment, which in turn leads to higher self-worth, success in school, better peer relationships, making better choices regarding alcohol and drugs, and most importantly leads to better parenting practices with their future children.

"I feel in control of my life for the first time…the program has changed my life," states a program participant. 

The program consists of one-on-one visits in the home 1-2 times a week by a Parent Aide, a professionally trained parent volunteer who is a trusted mentor to the parent. The Parent Aide demonstrates new and effective parenting techniques, helps with problem solving skills, and teaches parents how to make social contacts to strengthen their network of social supports. 

Since it's inception in 2004, HomeTeam has helped 390 parents and children in Walla Walla and College Place break the cycle of abuse. Staff are looking to expand services to Dayton and Columbia County.

The HomeTeam program is a partnership program with the Walla Walla Exchange Club, an organization working to make our communities a better place to live through the prevention of child abuse.