VENTURA : Abuse-Prevention Volunteers Sought

A nonprofit agency that provides child-rearing education for abusive parents is seeking volunteers to run nine-week classes across Ventura County.

As part of its child-abuse prevention program, Interface: Children, Family Services of Ventura County offers the class to parents referred by court order and to those interested in childhood development, communication skills, family budgeting and participating in a child’s education.

Jeanne Simpson, Interface’s parent education coordinator, said the agency would like to find volunteers with a teaching background or a leadership position, but will consider otherstoo.

“If someone is a parent, or if they’ve had them, then they qualify,” Simpson said.

“This is an opportunity to plant seeds with parents that will have long-term benefits for their children.”

Instructors are required to attend 12 hours of classroom training, observe at least two of the two-hour sessions, and help teach others before taking over a class, Simpson said. Prospective volunteers should call Jacque Negrete at 485-6114.