Prevention Services

Living Apart, Parenting Together

Living Apart, Parenting Together is a virtual, two-session, four-hour seminar mandated under the Virginia code sections 16.1-78.15 and 20-103 which focuses on the needs of children being raised by parents who live in separate homes. This seminar is for parents involved in traditional divorces, unmarried parents who have lived together and are now separated, or unmarried parents who have never lived together.

There is a $50 fee and registration is required. Refunds will not be processed for no shows. One unique email address per attendee is required. Once online registration is received, registrants will be sent an email class invitation, including Microsoft Teams meeting information, tech support instructions and additional information, if needed. Because the court generally orders participants to attend the class, your camera must be on to ensure that the mandated individual attends the seminar.

Upon completion of the four-hour seminar (both sessions), participants receive a certificate of attendance, copy of the presentation and survey.

Upcoming sessions (must attend both days/sessions listed to complete the seminar):

• Mondays, Jan. 22 and 29, 2024; Sign-in 2 p.m., course 2:15-4:15 p.m.
• Mondays, Feb. 26 and March 4, 2024; Sign-in 2 p.m., course 2:15-4:15 p.m.
• Mondays, March 25 and April 1, 2024; Sign-in 2 p.m., course 2:15-4:15 p.m.
• Mondays, April 15 and 22, 2024; Sign-in 2 p.m., course 2:15-4:15 p.m.
• Mondays, May 6 and 13, 2024; Sign-in 2 p.m., course 2:15-4:15 p.m.
• Mondays, June 17 and 24, 2024; Sign-in 2 p.m., course 2:15-4:15 p.m.

For more information, email Prevention Services or call 804-768-7800.

Active Parenting of Teens and Tweens

Active Parenting of Teens and Tweens is an online program that will give you confidence and courage to meet the challenges (and savor the joys) of your children’s teen years. You will acquire valuable tools needed by every parent, but with a specific focus for parents with children ages 10-15. 

This five-session program includes excellent advice and parenting techniques from highly qualified facilitators and the ability to discuss parenting with other adults around the community. After completing the course, you will receive Dr. Michael H. Popkin’s award-winning parenting book Active Parenting of Teens (Third Edition) and a certificate of completion.

Upcoming session:

• Tuesday, Jan. 23 - Feb. 20, 2024; 6-7:30 p.m.

The fee for this all-in-one parenting class is $50 and registration is required. For more information, email Prevention Services or call 804-768-7800.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity. This free, virtual class provides education and raises awareness about the impact of ACEs. Participants will discuss strategies for building individual and community wellness and resilience. This training is made possible through a collaboration of regional Community Services Boards.

Upcoming session:

• Register for Wednesday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m.

For more information, email Prevention Services or call 804-768-7800.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

The Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) program is a two day in-person workshop where participants learn and practice suicide intervention skills. No current class is available. To be placed on wait list for future classes, email Prevention Services or call 804-768-7800.

Business of Co-Parenting Program

The Business of Co-Parenting Program is a four-session program designed to help co-parents communicate respectfully and understand the effects of high parental conflict on children. This program is tailored to the needs of specific co-parenting sets and can be offered in-person or virtually.

To enroll in the Business of Co-Parenting program, a completed application packet consisting of the following items must be emailed to Prevention Services by both parents:

• Completed registration form available in the Business of Co-Parenting Packet (PDF)
• Certificate of completion of online program at Up to Parents
• Payment of $50 program fee

Upon receiving the aforementioned items from both parents, a confirmation email will be sent indicating next steps to comply with the court’s order.

For more information, email Prevention Services or call 804-768-7800.

Coffee and Conversations

Parenting is tough. Children do not come with an owner's manual. So, grab a cup of coffee and get some friendly support! Join Cat Tompkins of Chesterfield County Public Schools' (CCPS) Family and Community Engagement teams along with special guest experts from Mental Health Support Services for virtual community discussions on ways to help and understand your children. Want a specific question addressed during a session? Send questions in advance to Cat Tompkins for inclusion in the conversation.

View upcoming sessions on the county calendar and register in advance to be sent the Google Meet link. Sessions will be recorded.

Families First Home Visiting Program

Families First is a home visiting program for expectant and first time parents who reside in Chesterfield County and Colonial Heights. This program services families with children who are prenatal up to age two upon enrollment and until the child turns age 5 or enters preschool. Our services include:

• Age appropriate parenting information
• Community resources and referrals
• Developmental screens
• Monthly parent groups and family activities

There is no charge to participants who enroll in our program. Some services are covered by Medicaid. View our Supporting Families Through the Journey of Parenthood brochure in English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF).

For more information, contact the Families First program by email or call 804-318-8655. To request services, complete and return the Families First referral form (PDF).

Mental Health First Aid

Someone you know could be experiencing a mental illness or crisis. You can learn to help them. Mental Health First Aid teaches a five-step action plan to offer initial help to people with the signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in crisis, and connect them with the appropriate professional, peer, social or self help care.

These virtual classes are free to learners due to funding provided by Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

Advanced registration and pre-work is required. Registration must be completed two weeks prior to class date. For more information or to be placed on a wait list for future classes, email Prevention Services or call 804-768-7800.

Mental Health First Aid - Help Adults

This virtual class for adults 18 and over teaches an action plan to offer initial help to adults with signs and symptoms of a mental illness or crisis and connect them with care. Register for the upcoming session:

• Wednesday, March 13; 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Mental Health First Aid - Help Youth

This virtual class for adults 18 and over teaches an action plan to offer initial help to youth with signs and symptoms of a mental illness or crisis and connect them with care. Register for the upcoming session:

• Friday, Feb. 2; 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Parent/Family Consultation

Free virtual or in-person meetings with parents or caregivers to discuss parenting concerns such as parenting stress, effective discipline, communication, following directions, bedtime, helping out around the house, preventing risky behaviors, healthy relationships and helping children manage strong feelings. Participants must be residents of Chesterfield County or caring for a child who lives in Chesterfield County. For more information, email Prevention Services or call 804-768-7800.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention Workshops

The Chesterfield Suicide Awareness and Prevention Coalition offers monthly workshops to the public related to recognizing and responding to signs of suicide. For more information, email Prevention Services or call 804-768-7800.

BeWellVA

BeWellVA connects community members with emotional wellness and suicide prevention resources available in the Greater Richmond community. Upcoming Chesterfield events are included.

Understanding Young Children Program

Five-session program for parents or caregivers of children three to nine years old. Participants must be residents of Chesterfield County or Colonial Heights or caring for a child who lives in Chesterfield County or Colonial Heights. Program is tailored to the specific needs of parents and can be offered in-person or virtually. 

There is a $50 fee and registration is required. For more information, email Prevention Services or call 804-768-7800.