TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. Stephen Bavolek, noted investigator of abusive and neglectful parenting and principal author of the Nurturing Parenting Program, will conduct a training workshop on his program Oct. 5-6 at the Child Development Research Center on The University of Alabama campus.

Nurturing Parenting emphasizes the importance of raising children in a warm, trusting and caring household. It is founded on the belief that children who are cared for develop the capacity to trust, care and respect themselves, other people, living creatures and the environment.

Bavolek is nationally known for his research and effective intervention with parents at risk for abusive and neglectful parenting. During the last 27 years he has authored and validated family-based parenting programs, assessment inventories, school curricula, games, videos, instructional aides and training materials all designed to enhance the lives of individuals and families through nurturing.

The workshop will offer continuing education units and professional development credit for psychologists, social workers and counselors.

It is sponsored by UA’s College of Human Environmental Sciences, department of human development and family studies, and Child Development Resources; Attachment Parenting International; the Alabama Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation; and Family Nurturing Centers International.

While on campus, Bavolek will also be the featured speaker Oct. 4 for the CHES Orman-Harris Lecture in the lecture hall of the new Child Development Research Center at 7 p.m. The lecture, "The Proven Power of Nurturing in Changing Family Dysfunction,” is open to the public, and admission is free.

For more information, contact Dr. Mary Liz Curtner-Smith, UA associate professor of human development and family studies, at 205/348-8151 or mcurtner@ches.ua.edu