One feels an overwhelming sense of accomplishment whenever someone expresses an appreciation for a charitable service rendered that steers that person on a path of new discovery.

This feeling was evident when a teenager named Phedra shared her gratitude in a letter to Parent Anonymous (PA). The sixteen-year-old called PA a `lifesaver'.

She wrote that initially her mother started going to PA parenting group sessions, because of the challenge of parenting. Her mother, out of frustration, tried to find ways to deal with the situation at home when a colleague suggested PA.

Phedra described what it was like when she and her sister first attended the children's Programme. They were both shy but became quite comfortable when they did fun activities and learned how to verbally express how they felt.

Phedra said that she came out happy, more enlightened, and also made some friends by the time that first meeting ended. She stated that her mother had a similar experience at the PA parenting group session, learning ways to better deal with children.

In her letter, Phedra said that PA was one of the best things her family had done. She disclosed how her family now has discussions about their issues and concerns. Phedra revealed that her family would have been "divided unto itself if they had not attended PA parenting group sessions and the Children's Programme some eight years ago''.

She emphasised in her letter that she felt that "every family should attend a Parents Anonymous meeting, even if they are not having problems, because it never hurts to learn new ways to deal with children and find ways to deal with personal problems.'' In the closing paragraph of this observant teenager's letter she succinctly wrote: "Parents Anonymous is the best. I do not want to think of my life without it. I like it so much that I now help with the Children's Programme.

The feeling of satisfaction I get from helping these kids is great. Plus, I know that their parents care enough for them to admit they need help, and then come to get advice on their programmes. When I have kids, if I ever have problems, I will go. I hope any parent with problems will go to Parents Anonymous.'' Parents Anonymous, Inc was founded in 1970 in the US through the extraordinary efforts of a courageous mother seeking help to create a safe and caring home for her family.

Working in partnership with her social worker, they launched a movement to bring help, support, strength, and hope to families. Their vision inspired parents, professionals, and community volunteers to establish Parents Anonymous groups. Currently celebrating its 30th anniversary, Parents Anonymous, Inc. remains the oldest US-based child abuse prevention organisation dedicated to strengthening families through innovative strategies that promote mutual support and parent leadership.

Parents Anonymous, Inc. leads a diverse and dynamic network of community-based Parents Anonymous (PA) groups. While the parents are meeting, their children participate in PA Children's Programmes to promote their healthy growth and development. Parents and children come to PA groups to learn new skills, transform their attitudes and behaviour, and create long-term positive changes in their lives.

Reaching out to families in need, PA raises awareness and educates the public on critical family issues and community solutions; and partners with policy makers to ensure the effectiveness of PA in diminishing the impact of risk factors while dramatically increasing the resiliency of parents and children resulting in the prevention of child abuse and juvenile delinquency.

Through PA, parents identify and build on their strengths, increase their ability to deal with stress, expand their social support networks, and develop realistic expectations of themselves and their children.

One US study concluded that PA had a significant impact on alleviating child abuse and neglect, irrespective of other services provided including parent education classes and individual therapy.

Helping families in need Furthermore, research in the US on PA children's programmes revealed significant improvements in children's self-esteem, behaviour, and social interaction skills.

In recognition of this demonstrated effectiveness, US federal law highlights Parents Anonymous as the benchmark for child abuse prevention and treatment programmes throughout that country. Moreover, the US Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), acknowledges and promotes PA as a Model Family Strengthening Programme to prevent juvenile delinquency. The first US Bulletin in OJJDP's Family Strengthening Series was on Parents Anonymous, Inc. and highlighted the critical linkages between PA and juvenile delinquency prevention efforts.

PA encourages parents (whether they are married, single, divorced, teen parents, grandparents, step parents, etc.) to ask for help early, whatever their circumstances, to effectively protect today's children and strengthen tomorrows's generation of parents. PA builds upon the strengths of parents to ensure that children live and grow in safe, nurturing homes by offering families help today and hope for the future.

For further information, contact Parents Anonymous (PA) of Bermuda, at 292-6148 or visit PA's website: www.parentsanonymous-natl.org.