PHP provides support for them, teaches them their and their children's rights, and helps them learn to be effective advocates for their children's care. The approach with the parents is to help them discover who they are as people. If they understand themselves, they'll be better parents. One of the things the program stresses with parents and children alike is the importance of structure in their lives. Children want some control and security in their lives, but many of their homes lack any kind of consistent rules or expectations.
Communication is often a major barrier to a parent-child relationship.
We help parents and children learn to talk effectively to each other to settle problems without blame and criticism. Parental reinforcement of the child's positive behaviors is stressed, rather than criticism for something not done right. Positive emotions, such as praise and hugging, are encouraged. The children know what they must do and what they cannot do and that they will lose certain privileges or rights if they violate these rules. The new modality of treatments and trends in health care have shortened hospital stays, but even if a child is stabilized they are not ready to re-enter the world totally.