When the 15-year-old son of an Ellsworth County woman ran away from home, the mom had two choices.

After the boy returned home safely, law enforcement officers said she could either drop the whole thing or get the court system involved.

The mom, whose name is Spring January, chose the latter.

“I wanted to pursue this because I want my son to be safe, while learning that choices have consequences,” January explained. “We received a Notice to Appear (NTA) and got a call from Casey Rowland.”

Rowland learned about the NTA in her role as family-engagement advocate at Juvenile Services.

“Casey mentioned that Parent Project might help my family, which is surviving a number of traumatic experiences,” January said. “She didn’t push it but the more I learned the more I thought she was right.”

January has 13 children. Five boys, ages 9-17, are still at home.

The family traumas include the sexual abuse of at least four of her sons; one isn’t talking about the situation.

“The FBI came to the door because they were investigating a sex-trafficking case,” January recalled. “Someone I had trusted for years was sexually assaulting my children. I didn’t know what was going on.

“But it didn’t make sense that my 11-year-old was so angry all the time. I didn’t know he was being groomed by a predator.”

The federal case is officially closed because the alleged offender is deceased.

“My boys have been traumatized,” January said. “They have never not known trauma. In addition to the sexual assaults, their 16-year-old brother died in a farming accident.”

More background

“When I first heard about Parent Project, I was cocky enough to think I am a good mom but smart enough to know that I might not be the best mom I can be,” January commented. “I reflected on the fact that I didn’t start nursing school until I was 43 years old. You are never too old to learn new things.”

Some of those new things are the “three big take-aways” from Parent Project.

“I admit I am a yeller with a loud voice but I have learned to quit arguing with my kids. I just tell them I am done with the conversation. I also thought a good parent controlled their kids. I learned you can’t control anyone but yourself.

“And the third thing is that even when teenagers are pushing you away, hug them and tell them you love them.”

These take-aways and others have led to a better homelife for the family.

“I cannot say that everything is fixed and everything is great. But now it’s easier for me to navigate my emotions. I have lowered the volume drastically. I try not to yell but this is something I am always going to have to work at.”

January also noted she will attend the next Parent Project classes starting Sept. 1. Her children’s biological father and step-father will be at her side.

“We have regular parent meetings. All of us know how important this is and we will attend the next series of classes together.”

Rowland reported that January learned from Parent Project “because she is a strong-willed person with grit and resilience, and will help her family no matter what. She says she is too stubborn to give up. I believe her.”

Classes

Rowland wants everyone to be aware that a family doesn’t have to be facing severe trauma to benefit from Parent Project.

“We help parents who report that their children are talking back, not obeying the rules, acting out a lot and everything in between,” Rowland explained. “We are here for parents, guardians and anyone else who deals with children on a regular basis.

“This can include teachers, first responders, school counselors, therapists and others.”

The next session begins Tuesday, Sept. 1 at Juvenile Services, 1800 12th in Great Bend, where a meal is provided. Sessions run from 6 to 9 p.m. on consecutive Tuesdays; there is no cost.

Rowland emphasized that she is available to families before, during and after the class sessions.

January is thankful that “I was able to call Casey in desperation a couple of times or even if I just needed to vent. She always has an avenue for me to take. If she cannot answer a question, she will find someone who can; she shares the resources to get me through whatever it is.”

20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake & Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930