Thursday event: Parkcrest Church Visitation Center feels like home for reunifying families

 

	County of Los Angeles DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES   425 Shatto Place, Los Angeles, California  90020                                                                   (213) 351-5602
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 3, 2010     Contact:    Neil Zanville                     DCFS Office of Public Affairs: (213) 351-5886                    Day of Event:                          (310) 980-7596			Board of Supervisors   GLORIA MOLINA First District   MARK RIDLEY-THOMAS Second District   ZEV YAROSLAVSKY Third District   DON KNABE Fourth District   MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH Fifth District
MEDIA ADVISORY   Parkcrest Church Visitation Center feels like home for reunifying families   Quality visits for parents in home-like setting facilitate successful reunification
What:		On Thursday, March 4th, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), South County office will host an open-house reception at the Parkcrest Church Visitation Center, as part of L.A. County's week-long Family Reunification Week celebration.  The South County DCFS Parkcrest Church Visitation Center first opened its doors in October, 2008 with the goal of creating a nurturing environment within the community where families can visit their children in a home-like setting.  The visitation center provides families with comfortable couches in warm surroundings, age- appropriate games for children, a court yard for the children to play in and a kitchen for families to cook and enjoy a nice meal together.  The majority of these visits are monitored by approved volunteers from the Parkcrest Church.  The community volunteers are instrumental in empowering parents and coaching the families to practice healthier behaviors.  The visitation center contributes to families reunifying in a shorter time frame and providing many families with a support system and relationship that often continues even after their cases closes with DCFS. You're invited to learn more about this innovative program that promotes safe and successful family reunification, meet families who have reunified and community partners that support their efforts.
Who:		Pastor Mike Ellingsen, Parkcrest Church Michael Brady, DCFS Visitation Program Supervisor, DCFS Administrators Families that have successfully reunified with their children Church members who monitor visitation Community agencies that partner with DCFS to support family reunification
When:		Thursday, March 4, 2010              10 am - 11:30 a.m.  Program begins at 10:15 a.m.
Where:		Parkcrest Church, 6236 Woodruff Ave., Lakewood, CA 90713 (562) 925-0251

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