Here, you’ll find programs designed to strengthen parenting skills and build confidence in your role as a caregiver. Whether you're navigating everyday challenges or working toward specific goals, these services are here to support you every step of the way. Our programs focus on practical tools, encouragement, and guidance to help you create a safe, nurturing environment for your children. Everyone’s parenting journey is different and we’re here to help you grow in yours.
Direct Support
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The Allen County Family Resource Center exists to support families and provide a community-centered location for parents to access resources, encouragement, and physical support. The Allen FRC has a special emphasis on early childhood development and offers free development screenings for young children. They also offer a Prenatal Support Program for expectant parents where participants receive a car seat & other incentive items.
Anyone is eligible to access this service.
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This program is designed as a short-term case management process to provide information and referrals to families facing a crisis situation. Home visits can be provided for up to six months at a time. Community Partners works with families to connect to resources; provide guidance and education; offer concrete assistance if needed; and connect with the community.
Anyone with a child age 18 and younger in their household or is prenatal. Should not be involved with DCS, Healthy Families, or Juvenile Probation for a child in the home.
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The Elkhart County Family Resource Center exists to support families and provide a community-centered location for parents to access resources, encouragement, and physical support. The Elkhart FRC offers parent classes, support groups, child development activities, local family events and information events with other local resources such as vaccinations and legal advice.
Anyone is eligible to access this service.
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A free, voluntary three-year support program focused on developing and strengthening the bond between parents and their children as well as the physical, emotional, and intellectual health and development of children and improving overall family functioning.
Reside within Allen County, be prenatal (24 weeks or later) or have a baby under 3 months of age and be within income guidelines. Service history and admission limit requirements. See Healthy Families for full eligibility requirements.
Parenting Classes
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Always a Parent is a class for co-parents who have demonstrated an inability or unwillingness to work through issues without conflict. This is a six-week class that runs for two hours each session. Parents must attend together.
Participants will need to contact Family Connections.
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Offered as “Pre-Divorce” and “Paternity” (Never Married), this class is designed to give you the tools for effective communication and help you understand how co-parenting separated/divorcing affects you, your co-parent, and, most importantly, your children. This is a four-hour class.
Participants will need to contact Family Connections. This class does not require both co-parents to attend.
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This is a class for parents who have a need and/or desire to increase their knowledge of parenting. This is a five-week class that runs for 1.5 to 2 hours each session.
Anyone is eligible to access this service.
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This group looks to address the root causes of chronic truancy from school among children. Children and their parents meet at the same time with separate groups to help resolve barriers to more regular school attendance.
Anyone is eligible to access this service. Referrals may be made through Truancy Court.
Visitation & Custody
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For separated parents who have a contentious relationship, Custody Exchanges allows for the child to shift from one parent’s custody to the other in a safe, conflict-free space. All Custody Exchanges must occur during regular office hours.
Anyone is eligible to access this service.
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Court-ordered/self-referred visitation services for parents when circumstances prevent unsupervised contact. Out-of-county services are available. Additional fees may apply.
Anyone is eligible to access this service. When referral is court ordered, the client will need to provide the court order. When self-referred, both parties will need to agree to service.
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Conducted at Iris, in the client’s home, or in public, this service teaches families parenting skills while maintaining the safety of children who have been removed from the home. This service also makes it possible for siblings and extended family members to maintain relationships when children are in foster care.
Anyone is eligible to access this service. When referral is court ordered, the client will need to provide the court order. When self-referred, both parties will need to agree to service.
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Court-ordered/self-referred therapeutic visitation services for parents when circumstances prevent unsupervised contact. Out-of-county services are available. Additional fees may apply.
Anyone is eligible to access this service. When referral is court ordered, the client will need to provide the court order. When self-referred, both parties will need to agree to service.