Family Health

Beech Brook believes the family is the foundation of society. A family is a place where values are passed on from one generation to the next, where today's children learn to be tomorrow's parents.

Today, the family is threatened in many ways. The breakdown of the extended family by divorce, poverty, violence, substance abuse and teen pregnancy have ravaged the fabric of family life. Parents from all walks of life wonder how to protect their children and prepare them for the future.

Since 1919, Family Health has been working with Cleveland area families, offering support during tough times and helping them develop the skills they need to raise healthy children.

In 1992, Family Health joined forces with Beech Brook, broadening the scope of mental health services available to children and families.

Family Health offers school-based, in-home and community-based programs designed to strengthen and support families and children.

Educational Programs

The Art of Personal Living - Elementary School Level

This human growth and development course focuses on reproduction education by addressing the social, emotional and physical changes that occur during puberty. This course is designed to help children understand, accept and become comfortable with these changes in a way that enhances positive behavior.

AIDS\HIV Prevention Education

Information about HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted infections, positive behavior choices, refusal skills and related topics is presented in age-appropriate sessions for children in grades 5-12 in large or small groups. Teacher training, policy and curriculum consultation are also available. This course can be modified for adult programming in businesses, community organizations and agencies as well.

Delaying Sexual Involvement

This course is designed to help students understand how the decisions made in the preteen and teen years may affect them physically, emotionally and socially. The interactive curriculum uses peer discussion to help students develop good decision-making skills as they relate to sexual behavior. Delaying Sexual Involvement is taught at age-appropriate levels from sixth grade through high school.

Reducing the Risk

This program has been identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as effective in teaching communication skills to prevent pregnancy and the transmission of STDs, including HIV. Students learn to identify risky behaviors and, through role-playing, practice behaviors that eliminate or reduce the risk of pregnancy and STDs.

Community-Based Services

Parenting Programs

Family Health's Parenting Programs provide parents with the tools they need to understand the changes their children experience at various developmental levels and how family issues can affect their parenting abilities.

Beech Brook Family Drop-In Center

This parenting center, located in the Carl B. Stokes Social Service Mall, serves residents of Cleveland's Central community. Families learn and share information on parenting, anger management, community resources and child development and participate in programming that encourages healthy child/parent bonding. Services offered by the Drop-In Center are free and voluntary.

Anger Management/Conflict Resolution

Anger Management provides parents with the tools to better manage their anger, not only as it relates to their children, but also day-to-day anger and stress triggers. Anger Management and Conflict Resolution are also taught to children and teens ages 5-18.

Referral Parenting Group

These ongoing parenting classes serve parents whose children have been removed from the home because of abuse and/or neglect, as well as parents who are working to retain custody of their children. A series of anger management classes is available. Childcare and transportation reimbursement are provided. Parents are referred by the Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services.

Training and Consultation

Family Health staff provide consultation and support for professionals in many areas of family life education. Family Health services can be tailored to meet the specific needs of schools, agencies, businesses or families.

For more information about Family Health programs, contact: familyhealth@beechbrook.org