Parents get support with coaching, skills programmes
A series of prevention-focused parenting initiatives have been launched including coaching certification and skills development workshops.
Tinée Furbert, the youth, social development and seniors minister, provided an update on efforts by the Department of Child and Family Services to strengthen parenting in the community.
She said the department’s Mirrors Programme had placed a strategic focus on parenting skill building for the year.
Ms Furbert said: “These efforts are designed to support both DCFS clients and the broader community through a series of prevention-focused parenting workshops and a Parent Coaching Certification Programme.
“This certification programme will equip identified staff members with specialised parent coaching credentials in 2027, enhancing our capacity to support families across the prevention and intervention continuum.”
The Parent Coaching Certification training begins in August 2026 and concludes in April 2027.
Ms Furbert said that the work is informed by data, and that findings from the department's Family Strengths and Needs Assessment indicate that parental coping and mental health skills continue to represent the greatest areas of need among families receiving services.
She said the trend continued into the first quarter of this year, with 72 per cent of the 57 households assessed demonstrating a need for parenting skill development.
Coping skills and mental health needs ranked second, with 70 per cent of households identifying challenges in these areas.
Ms Furbert added: “In response to these findings, the department, through its Mirrors Programme, will implement a comprehensive 28-week Parent Coaching Certification Programme.
“Delivered through prevention services, this initiative will strengthen community-based support while also enhancing intervention services provided to department clients.
“The programme will develop a cadre of certified parent coaches equipped with evidence-informed strategies to support parents in building stronger relationships, improving communication and fostering healthy child development.”
In addition to the certification programme, the Mirrors Programme will partner with the Youth Mental Health Plan and Bermuda's schools to expand access to parenting support throughout the community.
Ms Furbert added: “Through these partnerships, the Keys of Excellent Parenting workshops will be delivered within school communities and sporting clubs, creating greater opportunities for parents and caregivers to strengthen their parenting skills, build healthy family relationships and develop practical strategies that support the social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people.
“By bringing these workshops directly into community settings where families naturally gather, we aim to reduce barriers to participation, increase accessibility and strengthen the network of support available to Bermuda's parents and caregivers.
“The Keys of Excellent Parenting workshop series will run from September 2026 through June 2027, providing ongoing opportunities for engagement and learning throughout the academic year.”
Ms Furbert said that throughout the year, the Mirrors Programme will measure and evaluate the impact of the initiatives quarterly. During the question period in Parliament, she said that updates will be given to the House when the data becomes available.
Ms Furbert said: “The department’s Family Preservation Team is also strengthening its specialised response to families affected by abuse and neglect through targeted professional development.
“Identified staff members have received training in the Nurturing Parenting Programme, an evidence-based approach designed specifically for families involved in child abuse and neglect cases.
“This training will enhance the department's capacity to support parents and caregivers in developing healthy parenting practices, strengthening attachment and family relationships, improving self-regulation and reducing risk factors associated with maltreatment.
“This specialised training complements the broader parenting capacity-building strategy by ensuring that staff are equipped to respond effectively to the varying levels of need presented by families across both prevention and intervention services.”
• To read the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media
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