The information in this program outline is provided by the program representative and edited by the CEBC staff. The Parent Engagement and Self-Advocacy (PESA) program has been reviewed by the CEBC in the area of: Parent Partner Programs for Families Involved in the Child Welfare System, but lacks the necessary research evidence to be given either a Scientific Rating or a Child Welfare Relevance Rating.

• Child Welfare Outcomes: Not Specified
• Types of Maltreatment: Does not target any specific kind of maltreatment
• Target Population: Birth parents, foster parents, and caseworkers of children ages 10-17 who are in foster care and candidates for reunification.

PESA is an adaptation of Columbia University’s Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) and the Building a Better Future Program developed by Sandra Jimenez and Naomi Weinstein as a Family-to-Family Initiative of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. PESA helps birth parents, foster parents, and caseworkers work together to address the mental health needs of youth in foster care.