Parental Stress Service, Inc. (PSS) is a non-profit organization of mental health professionals and dedicated volunteers who help families in Alameda County who have abused their children or are at risk of abusing their children. The organization's focus is the prevention of all forms of child abuse.

Child abuse reporting rates in Alameda County continue to climb. Over 17,000 reports of child abuse and neglect were made in 1991. This has increased to over 20,000 reported incidents in 1998. Alameda County has one of the highest rates of reported child abuse and neglect cases for all counties statewide (CA Department of Social Services, Statistical Service Bureau).

The long-term effects of child abuse on the individual, and society as a whole, continue to unfold. Abused and neglected children frequently suffer drops in IQ and an increase in learning disabilities. Depression, suicide, violent behavior patterns, delinquency, drug and alcohol abuse and various forms of criminality are frequently related to child abuse. Adults who have experienced childhood abuse often find it difficult to build trusting relationships, maintain employment and parent their own children effectively. In short, they are robbed of reaching their potential. Family units break down and children miss the opportunities necessary for a successful transition from childhood, to adolescence to adulthood. Everyone in the community suffers from the loss of this potential.

PSS supports the development of sustainable communities. PSS, through its network of services, strives to provide the tools to enable individuals to become better parents, which in turn allows children to flourish in healthier home environments. When families have access to responsive and effective services they are more likely to develop better resources for coping with stress, and to expand their repertoire of disciplining and child management skills. All children deserve a consistent, healthy home environment to enhance their potential in life regardless of socioeconomic background. The early years of a child's life are the most critical to healthy development. We understand that prevention of child abuse correlates positively with healthier parenting and family functioning. When individuals are encouraged to achieve and maintain optimum mental and physical health they have more energy and desire to contribute and involve themselves in their communities.