Blog Post: Family Empowerment

Family Empowerment

  • June 15th, 2023
  • By Pathway Caring for Children

Family dynamics can be challenging, especially for those who have experienced foster care, adoption, or kinship care. Pathway Caring for Children recognizes these unique challenges and has developed a powerful solution: the Family Empowerment Program. This innovative program is designed to support families in building healthier, more trusting relationships while addressing behavioral issues effectively.


The Family Empowerment Program is a cornerstone of Pathway’s commitment to helping children and families realize the possibilities of their lives. This program is specifically tailored to assist parents and caregivers in developing crucial skills that foster strong, positive connections with their children.



The Family Empowerment Program caters to a diverse range of families, including:

  • Foster families
  • Post-Adoptive families
  • Kinship caregivers
  • Any family struggling with managing children’s behaviors

This program is particularly beneficial for those who are eager to learn new techniques to support their children’s growth and development.


At its core, the Family Empowerment Program is about transformation. It provides parents and caregivers with the tools they need to:

  • Build healthy and trusting relationships with their children
  • Learn effective ways to connect and empower their children
  • Develop strategies for addressing challenging behaviors

The program employs evidence-based approaches, including Trust-Based Relational Interventions (TBRI), to equip caregivers with practical skills.


The effectiveness of the Family Empowerment Program lies in its ability to address the root causes of behavioral issues. By focusing on connection and regulation, the program helps children move away from fear-based responses.

Key benefits include:

  • Reduced activation of the “fear part” of the child’s brain
  • Improved parent-child connection
  • Shared power dynamics within the family
  • Clear expectations and responses for children

This approach creates a positive cycle where children who understand what’s expected of them are more motivated to succeed.


Participation in the Family Empowerment Program involves:

  • Attending sessions with Pathway staff
  • Active engagement of both parents and children
  • Openness to learning and implementing new strategies

Parents work closely with Pathway’s experienced staff to learn and apply techniques that will benefit their children long-term.


The Family Empowerment Program doesn’t just address immediate behavioral concerns; it lays the foundation for long-term family success. By teaching parents how to identify and respond to their children’s underlying needs, the program fosters deeper understanding and stronger bonds.


One of the program’s strengths is its adaptability to different family situations. Whether you’re an adoptive parent navigating post-adoption challenges or a kinship caregiver dealing with unexpected family changes, the Family Empowerment Program offers tailored support.


While the Family Empowerment Program is a crucial offering, it’s part of a broader suite of services provided by Pathway Caring for Children. The organization is committed to supporting families through various means:

This holistic approach ensures that families have access to a wide range of resources to meet their unique needs.


A key component of the Family Empowerment Program is the use of TBRI techniques. This trauma-informed approach focuses on:

  • Connecting with children on a deep, emotional level
  • Empowering children to express their needs effectively
  • Correcting challenging behaviors in a compassionate manner

By incorporating TBRI, Pathway ensures that the Family Empowerment Program addresses the complex needs of children who may have experienced trauma or disrupted attachments.


The Family Empowerment Program is accessible to a wide range of families, including those with Medicaid coverage. Additionally, adoptive families may be eligible for Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS) funding to participate in the program.


Families interested in the Family Empowerment Program can reach out to Pathway Caring for Children directly. The organization’s dedicated staff can provide more information about the program and help families determine if it’s the right fit for their needs.


The Family Empowerment Program offered by Pathway Caring for Children represents a significant step forward in supporting families facing behavioral challenges. By focusing on building strong, trusting relationships and equipping parents with effective tools, the program paves the way for happier, healthier family dynamics.

Whether you’re a foster parent, an adoptive family, or simply struggling with parenting challenges, the Family Empowerment Program offers a path to positive change. Through this program, Pathway Caring for Children continues its mission of helping children and families realize the full possibilities of their lives, one relationship at a time.
For more information about the Family Empowerment Program or to explore how Pathway Caring for Children can support your family, contact Pathway Today.