Many ARC parents want to raise healthy children in safe environments but lack social and economic support. Some face systemic and interpersonal trauma, while others struggle with behavioral health and substance use issues. Often, these challenges co-occur, causing chronic stress that hinders their efforts to reunify with their children.
ARC helps parents address reunification by tackling barriers to child safety and well-being. They partner with parents to build skills and develop solutions. Research shows that involving parents in planning, celebrating their resilience, and recognizing them as experts in their own lives leads to better progress toward their goals.
ARC practitioners act as coaches, using the Single Case Plan (SCP) and other documents from DHS/CUA and Philadelphia Family Court to guide parents in setting goals for creating a safe and healthy home environment. Unlike traditional case management, ARC employs a parent-led, goal-setting process, avoiding staff-driven advice. Coaches use motivational interviewing to help parents overcome insecurities and meet reunification expectations. Parents create action-oriented plans to address issues hindering their children’s safe return and receive support through mental health care, substance use treatment, parenting skills groups, employment, and financial or housing assistance.
These plans require ongoing commitment beyond ARC, promoting sustainable lifestyle changes and reducing the likelihood of returning to the child welfare system. Regular check-ins with ARC practitioners support behavior change through collaboration, discussion, and recognition of accomplishments.
