Its services are available to parents and children under age 12. The program began in 1974 under the auspices of a family services agency. It began in response to the recognition that many parents were abusing their children by yelling, hitting, and other forms of abuse. The current program includes a group program 2 days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the most dysfunctional families and a program 1 day a week for families functioning more effectively. The program includes parent/child assessment groups and parenting information and support groups. A component addressing sexual abuse was added in 1985. Families attending the program are characterized by social isolation, low self-esteem, a history of abuse, stress, unrealistic expectations, unmet personal needs of parents, and behavioral problems in the children. 5 references.