A family education series for parents and their children ages five to 12 will be offered by Youth and Shelter Services beginning Monday, Sept. 18.

The 12-week program will serve as a foundation for those who want to strengthen their family through parental nurturing.

Denise Denton, assistant director of prevention services, described the program as the most effective of its kind. It began at Youth and Shelter Services 10 years ago.

Originally set up to work with child-abuse families, the program has expanded to encompass a variety of family-related circumstances.

Although it is a nationwide program, the prevention specialists are community members. The program, which targets medium or high-risk groups, receives funding assistance from the U.S. Department of Public Health.

“Primary prevention includes everyone as a target and provides education and information for everyone through classroom presentations,” Denton said. “Secondary prevention targets certain kinds of groups which include families that are at high risk for child abuse.”

Attendees have included parents who are college professors and parents who are court-ordered to attend, Denton said.

“A lot of people take the class just to see what the possibilities are for other ways of dealing with problems,” said Ray Benter, a representative of Youth and Shelter Services. “It’s open to any family that’s interested, and they deal with everything in a general way.”

Meetings are set up to be interactive, where parents and children meet independently and have the opportunity to learn from each other. Parents who attend not only receive contributions from the instructor but also give suggestions to each other.

“Everyone is brought back together for a sharing time,” Benter said. “The kids learn things that tie into what the parents are learning. It’s very interactive.”

Children may take advantage of discussing listening skills, considering others, talking with parents, charting one’s future, negotiations and decision making, honesty and personal safety.

Parents learn about improving self-esteem, stress management, behavior management, problem solving, child development, family rules communication, handling anger, listening, family dynamics and family legacy.

Those interested in participating in nurturing sessions are required to pay a $25 course fee which covers the purchase of a book and other materials. Financial assistance is available. Free child care is available for families with young children.

For more information or to register, call (515) 232-4331. Registration is limited.