The positive impact the program is having on the Haitian community as a whole.

The Pilot -week parenting class for the Haitian Community, initiated by the Access and Visitation Program of the V.I. Department of Justice Paternity and Child Support Division, has now been completed. A graduation ceremony was held for over program participants on October at Living Word Family Ministries in Smith Bay. The class was designed to help create healthy parental relationships to improve the safety and well-being of children by teaching effective ways to co-parent and increase father’s involvement in raising their children. By funding services that aim to meet such goals, the department demonstrates its commitment to strengthening families and protecting children.

AVP is grateful to the parents and other community members who contributed to the success of the pilot parenting program. The -week virtual class, offered August -October , , on Mondays from : pm to : pm, covered topics similar to those currently offered in ongoing parent classes, including the Mother’s Matter & Fatherhood Buzz workshops. This valuable program would not have been possible without the support of the First Haitian Baptist Church of St. Thomas.

“Programs like this one play an important role in developing positive character traits, values, and life skills among our youths,” said AG George. “The AVP Team is overwhelmed by the success and outcome of the parenting class and the partnership of the First Haitian Baptist Church of St. Thomas. We are pleased to report that there is now a demand requesting more parenting services by the participants and other Haitian parents.

. In order to promote effective co-parenting, it is important to set the right atmosphere. This includes understanding power and control within relationships, as well as the mother’s role in promoting a healthy father-child relationship.
. The absent of a father can have emotional and physical costs for a family. In order to avoid these negative outcomes, it is important for mothers and fathers to develop mutual respect and learn conflict resolution skills.
. Additionally, setting mutual disciplines and structures, as well as identifying each other’s communication styles and love languages, can help promote a healthy relationship between parents.
. Finally, spending quality time with both Mom and Dad is essential for a child’s physical and emotional safety.

I would like to express my gratitude to Sandra Garcon for her efforts in educating us in our language. I have learned many things that will benefit me, my family and a program I am presently involved in working with children. I would also like to thank the DOJ for facilitating this super program that gives us an outlet. Father of five, Renold Mothe, also shared the same sentiments. He stated that thanks to everyone who coordinated this for the parents, he is now a better parent.

“At the event, Mothe said that the Access and Visitation Program is important because it provides mandatory grant funding to states and territories to operate it. George, Thomas-Jacobs, Joseph, Potter, Stewart, Garcon, and Saurel all agreed that the Program is vital to families and children.

Learninng Outcome

I would like to express my gratitude to Sandra Garcon for her efforts in educating us in our language. I have learned many things that will benefit me, my family and a program I am presently involved in working with children. I would also like to thank the DOJ for facilitating this super program that gives us an outlet. Father of five, Renold Mothe, also shared the same sentiments. He stated that thanks to everyone who coordinated this for the parents, he is now a better parent.