Implementing the Voice of Parents

One of the major debates regarding after-school programs is how to implement parental involvement in an effective way. I have found that establishing trusting relationships with the parents of the youth that you work with is essential in building stronger social networks as well as making larger positive gains. One concern in regards to after-school programs is that placing youth in after school homework assistance would decrease parental involvment in school and homework assistance. On one side, many of the parents of youth in low-income areas have been poorly educated, and have had their own negative experiences with education so that they find it difficult to assist children in schoolwork. However, parental involvment in a child's school experience is essential in forming positive attitudes and study skills. Also, many times, in making parents a part of the learning process, this also enables adults to gain skills that can counter their own negative experiences with school. However, how do we make parents part of after-school programs when one of the reasons why these programs are so needed is because many youth are left unsupervised in after-school hours due to parents work schedules and other responsibilities? So I am left with the question:

1. How can after school programs involve parents in a positive way that empowers them and their children?