According to the 2019 Kids Count County Date Profile, Calloway County ranks 66th our of 120 counties for children between the ages of 0-17 that live in out of home care. In addition, the number of children in foster care in Calloway County has increased significantly since 2013. Children need safe homes and loving families in order to thrive. When children cannot remain in their parents' care - due to substance abuse, incarceration, or child maltreatment- grandparents, other relatives or foster care homes often step up to raise them. As substance use permeates through Kentucky, the number of children being removed from the home is rising. According to Kentucky By the Numbers Supporting Families at Risk report, in Calloway County the number of cases of domestic violence has almost doubled from 2015 to 2017. 

When working with families in crisis, social workers and judges often recommend or order the parents to attend a parenting class. The Calloway County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent developed a series of lessons to help parents not only develop good parenting skills, but also to include conversations about relationship skills, healthy eating on a budget, financial skills, stress busters and overall health and wellness. Out of this need The Parenting Puzzle program started. The program consists of 8 weeks of class. Participants are given a certificate upon completion of the course they can show in court. 

As of June 30, 2020, 3 complete 8-week courses were conducted. A total of 22 participants have received there certificates. All of the participants reported they improved personal growth and improved personal knowledge of positive discipline techniques. 95% of participants that completed the course said they had practiced their learned effective parenting skills in their home. 

Overall the program has been effective and will continue to help the families of Calloway County. The program was well received as many parents noted the following: 

"I had a bad attitude at first because I did not want to be in a parenting class, but the classes were actually really helpful. The leader cared about us and made the learning real and fun."

"I am so thankful for what I have learned. My kid was able to come home and i am better at establishing rules and routines."

"I looked forward to every Tuesday night!"