MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Juvenile Court Judge Dan Michael expects great things to come of the city’s two upcoming parenting centers and 24-hour hotline.
However, he said getting parents to utilize them will require a “community approach.”
WREG heard from parents who are uncertain whether or not people who need the parenting help will visit the centers.
“It’s understandable to put it out there, but a lot of people don’t use the resources they have now,” said parent Juakita Anderson.
Michael said different professionals and organizations will need to refer parents to the centers.
“Pediatricians, family doctors, Juvenile Court probation officers, Department of Children’s Services, just about any connection, daycare facility,” Judge Michael said.
He said transportation to the centers will be a separate issue.
He said it could possibly result in coordination with other services later on.
Judge Michael said the point of the parenting centers is to stop the cycle of abuse and neglect.
“We need help for these young parents who were not parented as children and didn’t get the training they need to raise their children,” he said.
Mayor A C Wharton said the hotline and centers will launch by Mid-March.
WREG found out the centers will launch at Knowledge Quest on College Park Drive and at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women on Humphreys.
Judge Michael admits he does not know a great deal about the parenting centers yet, but he will be attending an information session about them Thursday.
Local leaders will meet at the Kroc Center at 2 p.m. to learn more about parenting issues and data.
