Programs & Services > Counselling > Community Parenting Education (COPE) > Frequently Asked Questions
Community Parenting Education
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens during COPE group sessions?
- What are COPE’s benefits?
- Who leads the workshops?
- How long does it take to complete a COPE program?
- How do I register for COPE?
- Is COPE offered in other languages than English?
- Where is COPE offered?
What happens during COPE group sessions?
Parents group:
During the session, parents have the opportunity to share their concerns
and connect around common challenges. All participants have the opportunity
to contribute their wealth of knowledge and experience to other group
members, together building on strengths and broadening their parenting
tools/skills.
Each week through large and small group discussion, watching short video clips, role plays and other creative tools, parents have the chance to look at advantages and disadvantages of a variety of parenting ideas and strategies. Using individual strengths, group sharing and COPE resources, parents have the opportunity to create solutions which feel right for their family.
The COPE group process helps parents build confidence in their skills and handling challenges. Parents also develop a supportive parent network.
Children’s group:
Through activities and play, the children’s group, builds social
skills; which are then generalized to relationships with peers, siblings
and support parental efforts to implement new child management skills
at home. Core social skills are introduced: dealing with feelings such
as anger, frustration, sadness, following instructions, listening,
sharing, focusing on positive behavior and problem solving.
What are COPE’s benefits?
Parenting is the single most important task any adult “takes
on” in his or her lifetime – yet this is a job for which
most of us receive little, if any, preparation or training. COPE
provides practical ideas and direction for parents wanting to “update” their
parenting skills. These include:
- listening and talking effectively with your children
- encouraging co-operation regarding chores, mealtimes, school work, etc.;
- handling stressful situations without conflict
- promoting positive relationships among brothers and sisters;
- finding solutions for problem behaviour
COPE also encourages parents to:
- network with other parents
- find out about community activities / resources;
- support one another.
Who leads the workshops?
COPE is made available through FST’s Counselling Service which is staffed by professional social workers trained at the Master’s Degree level and with many years of experience counselling families through a wide range of difficulties.
How long does it take to complete a COPE program?
COPE groups run from 6 – 8 weeks. Group sessions last for approximately 2 hours.
Is COPE offered in other languages than English?
COPE parenting programs are offered in the following languages: English, Spanish, Cantonese, and Farsi.
How do I register for COPE?
There are two ways of registering in a COPE program:
- Call the Service Access Unit at 416-595 9618 to get the
contact information for a COPE group closest to you .
- Check our on-line schedule and see if there is
a group starting in your area and call the contact person for more information
There is no fee for attending COPE groups.
Where
is COPE offered?
COPE is offered at several locations in Toronto. For current schedule and location, go to COPE groups schedule and locations page.
To arrange for counselling, please call our Service Access Unit, Tel: 416.595.9618
