74 families received therapeutic services in 2009 through our center-based services program, including 82 parents and 123 children. The average length of stay of family was 6.98 months.

·         Age  

                      o      The average age of parents enrolled in the program is 25.9

·         Ethnicity

 o        63.4% of parents are African American, 32.9% of parents are Caucasian, 3.7% other

·         Income

•       45% of families earn less than $300/month, 94% earn less than $900/month

o        89% of families enrolled headed by a single mother

o        45% of families needed housing assistance

·         Education

 o        81.5% of parents do not have a high school diploma or degree

·         Family Social History

o        80% of parents presented with mental health issues upon enrollment to the program

o        61% of families had previous involvement with SC Department of Social Services

o        73% of parents enrolled were abused or neglected as children

o        60% of families enrolled have had criminal domestic violence prevalent in their lives

o        48% of children enrolled served have previously been abused or neglected

o        25.6% of parents enrolled are dealing with substance abuse issues

o       7% of parents were homeless/receiving services from local homeless shelters

·         Mental Health needs of clients

• 71 parents entered the program with presenting mental health issues.  25 parents were formally diagnosed as having mental health issues by a mental health professional outside of the Nurturing Center

• 72 parents participated in Individual Therapy with mental health professionals from the Nurturing Center.

• 35 children participated in play therapy. All preschoolers enrolled in program received play therapy throughout the year. (30 minutes per week for 6.98 months)