Thanks to a $10 million federal grant, Parents Anonymous, Inc. has expanded its ability to help parents and youth dealing with emotional and mental challenges. The organization’s National Parent & Youth Helpline is now offering immediate emotional support through calls, texts and chats answered by trained and caring staff 24 hours a day and seven days a week to parents, caregivers and youth up to 25 years old.
The expanded services are supported by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $10 million, with 100 percent funded by ACF/HHS.
Aiming to save lives
Because of the favorable results and positive impact achieved by the California Parent & Youth Helpline and the National Parent Helpline, this five-year grant will provide essential resources for the helpline’s services to more than 174 million parents and youth seeking life-changing support in the U.S. Before now, the National Parent & Youth Helpline, formerly named the National Parent Helpline, focused on parents and caregivers. However, after the overwhelming rise in youth suicides and depression rates, Parents Anonymous prioritized its evidence-based services to address the urgent mental health needs of young people and their parents across America.
“This vital partnership with ACF, will offer critical emotional support and information for both parents and youth 24/7 as they navigate life challenges,” says Lisa Pion-Berlin, president and CEO of Parents Anonymous.
Oldest helpline boasts successful track record
Parents Anonymous launched the National Parent Helpline with the backing of the U.S. Congress in 1969. It was the nation’s first responder system designed to support the empowerment journey of parents and caregivers. Over the decades, the Parents Anonymous helplines have consistently demonstrated their capability to mitigate crises and provide vital emotional support with an inclusive, anti-racist, anti-sexist and anti-classist approach to family support, devoid of blame or shame, Parents Anonymous officials say.
In harmony with the objectives of the ACF, Parents Anonymous will continue to advance the vision of establishing a National Parent & Youth Helpline as an invaluable resource to all U.S. families with a compassionate and well-trained staff dedicated to prioritizing mental well-being.
“I know as a psychologist how mental health disorders are increasing for young people across the country and how essential this new National Parent & Youth Helpline tool will be in addressing the acute needs of young people and improving their well-being,” says U.S. Rep. Judy Chu. “No one should feel alone, and I strongly urge parents, caregivers and young people themselves to spread the word about the helpline and use its call, text or chat services when navigating difficulties. I promise I will continue to fight constantly in Congress to support efforts like this and increasing funding for services to improve the emotional, mental, and physical health of all our young people.”
Those needing emotional support can call or text at 855-427-2736 or live chat 24/7 through nationalparentyouthhelpline.org.
For more information about Parents Anonymous and its programs, visit parentsanonymous.org.
