A Lifeline for Parents: How SafeCare Transformed a Mom’s Journey
Parenting is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, but for Rachel, a single mother of a toddler and an infant, it was also overwhelming. Each day brought challenges — managing tantrums, caring for her newborn, and trying to create a safe home environment. Hazards like unsecured cabinets and dangling cords were everywhere, and Rachel often felt unsure about when her baby needed medical attention. Like many parents, Rachel wanted to give her children the best, but she didn’t know where to start.
Looking for support and information, Rachel discovered the SafeCare Home-Based Parenting program. Designed for caregivers of young children, SafeCare delivers practical tools directly into families’ homes. Rachel’s SafeCare provider partnered with her to pinpoint and tackle safety risks in her home. Together, they child-proofed cabinets, removed choking hazards, and created a safe space for her children to grow. Beyond that, the program equipped Rachel with strategies to manage her toddler’s behavior using positive interactions, fostering a deeper bond.
One of the most life-changing lessons for Rachel was learning how to identify illness in her baby and knowing when to seek medical care. Reflecting on her experience, Rachel shared, “SafeCare didn’t just help me become a better mom — it gave me tools I’ll use for the rest of my life.” By the program’s end, Rachel felt more confident as a parent, her home was made safer for her children, and she understood how to create and keep strong, positive relationships with them.
What is SafeCare?
SafeCare is an evidence-based parenting program that improves parenting skills and promotes the health and well-being of children aged 0-5. With a practical, supportive and nonjudgmental approach, it empowers parents to confidently navigate the demands of raising young children.
The program typically spans nine months to a year, with weekly sessions lasting up to two hours each visit. Each visit includes teaching and modeling skills, role-playing exercises and fidelity monitoring. According to Lorinda Reed, SafeCare Trainer at Family & Children’s Services (FCS), “When I see families playing with their kids, locking up medications, learning to treat a sick child, and interacting to reduce challenging behaviors, it makes children happier, healthier and safer.”
SafeCare focuses on three core areas:
- Parenting Skills: Techniques to encourage positive parent-child interactions, like praising good behavior and calmly managing tantrums.
- Home Safety: Guidance to identify and remove hazards, from securing cleaning supplies to eliminating choking risks.
- Child Health: Education on recognizing and responding to childhood illnesses and injuries.
Making a Difference in Communities
Delivered through structured, home-based sessions by trained providers, SafeCare combines education with personalized coaching. For many families, it’s a game-changer — reducing stress, boosting confidence and improving overall family well-being. Through partnerships with organizations like Emergency Infant Services, Family & Children’s Services ensures SafeCare reaches families across Tulsa and surrounding areas.
How to Get Involved
Parents in need of support or providers interested in referrals can easily connect with SafeCare. Visit fcsok.org to complete the referral form. Simply go to “Services” and select “SafeCare parenting” to locate the form. Within 48 business hours, an engagement coordinator will reach out to guide families through the next steps.
For parents like Rachel, SafeCare is more than just a program — it’s a life-changing experience, offering the tools and confidence to build a safer, healthier and more connected family life.
Natasha Mitchell, Social Media Manager at Family & Children’s Services, oversees social media and supports web content management. Her award-winning, diverse background spans journalism, communications, marketing, PR and university relations.
