arents able to cope with the stressors and demands of parenting are more likely to assist their children in achieving appropriate developmental trajectories than parents poorly prepared for this task. Further, communities themselves are strengthened when parents are able to correctly discipline and control their children's behavior and when children of all ages exhibit positive behaviors (Ritchie & Partin, 1994). Learning from parents what they need from counselors and educators, and then creating community=based programs to meet these needs is an important social work and educational function.
The literature suggests that the quality of family functioning is important for both psychological well-being and physical health (Johnson, Kent, & Leather, 2005). As shown in psychotherapeutic settings, parenting skills can affect children's emotional well-being and ability to control their own conduct. Consequently, many social work organizations which meet the needs of at-risk
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