Washington state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, recently toured the Family Education and Support Services (FESS) office in Centralia to learn more about how community-based family support programs help strengthen families and improve outcomes for children across the region, according to a news release from Abbarno.
During the visit, Abbarno met with staff and discussed how education, parenting and peer-monitoring programs can play a critical role in preventing family crises, supporting healthy childhood development and reducing long-term strain on state systems.
"As lawmakers, it's important we understand how policies adopted in Olympia affect families in our communities," said Abbarno, Washington House Republican Caucus chair. "Programs that focus on prevention, parental engagement and early intervention can help strengthen families and support kids before challenges escalate."
Family Education and Support Services collaborates with local and regional partners to provide education and skills-based programs focused on fatherhood involvement, parenting education and peer monitoring, aligned with ongoing legislative discussions on child welfare, behavioral health and family stability, the release stated.
Abbarno said that visiting organizations such as FESS provides valuable insights as the Legislature considers policies and investments related to family services, public safety and long-term community wellbeing.
"Strong families are the foundation of strong communities," Abbarno added. "Seeing how these services work in practice helps ensure our laws and budgets are grounded in real-world needs and solutions."
Abbarno said firsthand conversations with community partners are essential as lawmakers evaluate policy priorities and budget decisions impacting child welfare, family services and early intervention programs, according to the release.
