Southeast Asian Services offers a language-specific parenting class using Dr. Marilyn Steele’s Strengthening Multi-Ethnic Families and Communities: A Violence Prevention Parent Training Program. This model was developed to reduce violence against self, the family and the community. The classes present parents with information from a culturally appropriate perspective while integrating positive discipline approaches to foster self-esteem and self-discipline in children.

The program has five components:

• Cultural/Spiritual
• Rites of Passage
• Enhancing Relationships
• Positive Discipline
• Community Involvement

The focus of the classes is for parents and children to learn tools necessary to build a strong relationship with each other and to function well in their homes and in the community. The 14-week long classes include an orientation session at the start and a graduation celebration at the final session.