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Mission

We are a free, confidential resource for parents like you. Whether you need resources to deal with a problem child or just a reassuring voice, PAL can mean a big difference. And it’s absolutely free.

PAL at a Glance

The Parenting Assistance Line (PAL) was founded in March of 2007 as a collaboration between The University of Alabama’s Child Development Resource Center (CDRC) and the Alabama Children’s Trust Fund, with help and vision from the former First Lady of Alabama, Patsy Riley. It is a free and confidential phone and online chat service that is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. With more than 15,000 calls answered in the last 15 years, PAL has been a proven resource for parents, grandparents, guardians and caregivers when faced with parenting issues at all stages of childhood.

In the News

History

PAL’s inception began with Mrs. Patsy Riley, Alabama’s former First Lady, whose vision was to provide parents across the state the kind of support they need to become more confident and successful parents, recognizing that parenting can be tough!

On March 1, 2007 Child Development Resources, a community service initiative of the College of Environmental Sciences at the University of Alabama, launched a statewide parenting assistance phone line (PAL) to provide free information, support and tools to parents across the state of Alabama to make parenting more manageable.

In addition to the phone line, PAL has developed a few other handy resources for parents including:

  • phone line: call or text 866-962-3030 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays to reach a parenting resource specialist
  • chat online: chat with a resource specialist through the chat app on the website
  • email: use the contact form on our website to send a question via email
  • website: find a wealth of parenting tips, strategies and resources right here on our website
  • newsletter: sign up to receive PAL’s email newsletter
  • printed literature: request supplemental information be mailed

Demographics

The majority of calls have been from moms who have discussed parental stress and support issues (divorce, single-parenting, incarcerated parent, family crisis, blended families, overseas military spouse, referral requests for local community services) as well as discipline/guidance issues. Calls have also been received by grandparents, other relatives, friends, neighbors and professionals.

Overall, ages of children discussed during phone calls reflect a higher percentage of preschoolers (three – six years) and school-agers (six – 12 years) followed closely be adolescents (12 – 18), toddlers (18 months – three years) and infants (birth – 18 months).

Calls have been received by every county in Alabama as well as 40 other states and Canada.

Quotes from callers

I’ve have this number in my phone for several years hoping I wouldn’t have to use it. But now, with my daughter having so many issues, I’m very glad I kept it. I feel a lot better and have a little more hope for her now.

You have given us some great direction. I feel more confident in what I have to do.

I have fought so hard for custody of my son and I just want to make sure to give him a good life. I’m so glad this line has people working who care.

I started calling when my daughter was young enough to bite. The ideas I got then worked and so I’ve kept calling throughout the years. My parents are deceased and …. I really don’t have anyone to talk about all this parenting business. You always tell me practical stuff that really works so I trust you.

Downloadables

For your convenience, some items may be downloaded for your use. Please do not alter proportions.

PAL Logo simple
PAL Brochure
PAL Logo full

Media Contacts

For all other inquiries , please contact the PAL at:

April Kendrick, ph.D
Director
205.348.2678
[email protected]

or

Leslie Guy
Parent Services Coordinator
205.348.2235
[email protected]

Have a Question?

Not finding what you’re looking for?

  • Call or Text your question to 866-962-3030
  • OR Chat online with our trained counselors!
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