Memphis, Tennessee, September 10, 2025

News Summary

The first graduation of the Nurturing Parent Program took place in Memphis, Tennessee, aiming to break generational cycles of delinquency. The 12-week initiative focuses on enhancing parental involvement and strengthening family ties. Participants, both voluntary and court-mandated, reported positive impacts in their parenting approaches. With remarkable community engagement, the program’s success may help address ongoing juvenile crime issues in Memphis. Future classes are set to continue the effort in fostering a safer environment for families and children.

Memphis Nurturing Parent Program Celebrates First Graduation as Juvenile Crime Concerns Persist

Memphis, Tennessee – The Shelby County Juvenile Court and Porter-Leath celebrated a significant milestone on September 9, 2025, as they marked the graduation of the first group from their Nurturing Parent Program. This 12-week initiative aims to break generational cycles of delinquency and strengthen family bonds in the community.

The program welcomed a mix of participants, some attending voluntarily and others mandated by the court system. Graduates expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in meaningful learning that emphasized the importance of parental involvement in their children’s lives. Through the shared experience, many participants formed strong connections, as noted by class teacher Stephanie Hurd, who remarked on the sense of family created among the attendees.

Spencer Smith, a 31-year-old father from Collierville, shared that the program has equipped him with valuable insights into being an engaged parent. He highlighted the newfound importance of actively interacting with his children, showcasing the program’s impact on individual families.

The impact of the Nurturing Parent Program extends to the larger Memphis community. Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon emphasized that enhancing parent-child relationships and teaching effective parenting skills can contribute positively to the city, especially in light of recent statistics. The Memphis Police Department reported the lowest overall crime rates in the city in 25 years. However, officials remain concerned about juvenile crime, which persists as a significant issue.

Judge Sugarmon connected the efforts of the Nurturing Parent Program with the city’s declining crime rates. He stressed that fostering family engagement is a crucial step in tackling juvenile delinquency. Commenting on the broader context, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy identified various elements that contribute to juvenile crime, including environmental factors, cultural influences, and the effects of social media.

Instructors of the program, like Deaunn Stovall, are advocating for the expansion of the Nurturing Parent Program throughout Shelby County, revealing hope for more upcoming classes. Stovall encourages interested parents to reach out for participation opportunities, which are essential for fostering a healthier community.

The next Nurturing Parent Class is set to commence on September 16, 2025, with invitations extended to parents who wish to learn effective parenting techniques and nurture their familial relationships. Interested parties can contact Deaunn Stovall via email to secure their place in the program.

Context of the Nurturing Parent Program

The Nurturing Parent Program is designed to empower parents with skills that enhance their ability to nurture and engage with their children. This aligns with ongoing efforts to combat juvenile crime in Memphis, a city currently facing both progress in crime reduction and challenges in juvenile delinquency. By focusing on family dynamics, the program seeks to create a safer environment for children and strengthen community ties.

Statistics on Juvenile Crime

• Memphis Police Department reports the lowest overall crime rates in 25 years.
• Juvenile crime remains a concern despite the reduction in overall crime.
• Optimal familial involvement linked with declining juvenile delinquency rates.

Upcoming Events

The upcoming Nurturing Parent Class starting on September 16 aims to continue the positive impact on families in Memphis. Parents are encouraged to participate, fostering relationships that impact the broader community.

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Additional Resources

• WREG: Memphis Parents Graduate from Nurturing Parent Program
• Local Memphis: Parents File $25 Million Lawsuit Against Memphis Day Care
• Action News 5: 80 Percent of Households Without Fathers in Some Memphis Areas
• Commercial Appeal: Memphis Parents Can Get Mental Health Resources
• Wikipedia: Parenting
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Parenting

Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER

The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.