We envision a stable society where all Parents, Children, and Youth thrive in strong families and communities.
At Parents Anonymous Inc., we apply Shared Leadership® strategies with Parents, Children, and Youth to protect and enhance the lives of anyone who has experienced unfavorable treatment or suffered a related emotional injury. Our aim is to help foster a future that is fair and balanced for every community.
All Parents Anonymous® Programs, Initiatives, Staff, and Volunteers demonstrate respect for everyone seeking help. Through Parents Anonymous® Programs, Parents, Children, and local communities cooperate to bring about lasting improvements that support the well-being of all.
- Parents Anonymous Inc. upholds the proven successes of Parents Anonymous® that produce stronger families and thriving communities.
- Parents Anonymous Inc. recognizes the significance of human relationships in an effort to improve the well-being of parents, individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
- Parents Anonymous Inc. collaborates with partners focused on increasing accessibility to resources related to food, affordable housing, mental health, wellness, education, health care, and safe neighborhoods.
- Parents Anonymous Inc. believes the future relies on parents.
- Parents Anonymous Inc. highlights the proven results of all Parents Anonymous® programs, initiatives, research, and support efforts, building on a strong record of positive outcomes for millions of parents, children, and youth since 1969.
Through Shared Leadership®, Parents Anonymous Inc. was established in 1969 through the determination of Jolly K., a dedicated mother seeking a secure and nurturing home for her family, and Leonard Lieber, a clinical social worker. Although her daughter was placed in foster care before reuniting, little assistance was provided for the family’s underlying concerns. In an effort to find guidance and community support, Jolly K. formed Parents Anonymous® Groups. Her resolve not to blame or shame Parents led to the creation of the first family-strengthening program, inspiring thousands of Parents, Children, and Youth worldwide to address factors contributing to child maltreatment and to support efforts aimed at reforming overly controlling public systems that harbor preconceived attitudes toward families.
Jolly K., the original Parent Leader, united many other parents who, alongside their children and youth, pursued positive change—an effort that continues more than five decades later. In 1973, she testified before the U.S. Senate and House—standing alone as a Parent Leader—and effectively shared the successes of Parents Anonymous®. Her testimony helped secure the passage of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), which expanded Parents Anonymous® Programs and the National Parent Helpline® Services.
Currently, Parents Anonymous Inc. recognizes the broad achievements of Parents Anonymous® Programs, the dedication of all Parent Leaders, and the importance of Shared Leadership® partnerships with agencies, volunteers, staff, and a range of federal, state, local, and private funders. Together, we strive toward a shared vision and mission: strengthening families by fostering growth among Parents, Children, and Youth for generations to come.
Jolly K., The Original Parent Leader