PA STARTED IN LOS ANGELES, CALIF., IN 1970 AND BY 1975 HAD 1,500 MEMBERS IN 150 CHAPTERS IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. A CHAPTER USUALLY IS STARTED BY AN ABUSING PARENT WHO WANTS A SUPPORT GROUP OR BY A PROFESSIONAL CONCERNED WITH CHILD ABUSE. EACH CHAPTER HAS A PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR AS WELL AS A PARENT LEADER. MOST OF THE MEMBERS ARE MOTHERS AND MOST REMAIN IN THE CHAPTER FOR A YEAR OR MORE. THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE GROUP IS TO PROVIDE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TO PARENTS IN TIMES OF CRISIS SO THAT THE PARENT DOES NOT FEEL 'TRAPPED' AND LASH OUT IN ABUSE. MEMBERS ALSO WORK TOGETHER TO UNDERSTAND WHY THEY ABUSE THEIR CHILDREN AND TO DEVELOP NEW WAYS OF DEALING WITH ANGER AND FRUSTRATION. THE MECHANICS OF ORGANIZING A GROUP AND HOLDING MEETINGS ARE EXPLAINED BRIEFLY. THE ADDRESS OF THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION, WHICH PROVIDES HELP IN ESTABLISHING LOCAL CHAPTERS, IS INCLUDED. (GLR)