An agency parenting support group may be better suited to an open-ended format since many employees experience parenting difficulties suddenly. Resource and Referral Information Mothers and fathers, whether they have small children, teenagers, or adult children, sometimes need assistance with the parenting problems they encounter. From finding quality child care to locating a math tutor for a ninth grader, parenting resources are available in the community. An employee assistance counselor or work and family specialist can often provide such information. However, these professionals may not be readily available to the group on a regular basis or may have limited access to such information.
Employees also can contact their county government human services office or a local hospital.
Both organizations have extensive knowledge of available parenting resources. We can provide parenting support groups with copies of the Child Care Resources Handbook for Federal Employees. This publication is written for employers and mothers and fathers of small children and includes information on selecting day care and lists national organizations and resources that can be of assistance to mothers and fathers. Some topics may require the input of subject matter experts. The group can decide to bring in expert speakers such as the agency nurse or community organizations.