A Guide for the Juvenile Justice System in Bristol County Family Support Resources
New Bedford Family Support Resources
New Bedford Family Support Resources Name of Agency & Program: The Nemasket Group Family Connections Project Eligibility Requirements: The child or adult must meet the eligibility criteria for the Department of Developmental Services. Mission and/or Goals of Program: The FAMILY CONNECTIONS project is designed to listen and respond to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families so that all people with disabilities, young and old, have equal opportunity to live, work and develop relationships in their communities. Family Support Advocates work in partnership with family members and individuals recognizing and supporting their strengths and respecting their privacy. Types of Services and Supports Offered: Information and referral to a variety of community and statewide resources (e.g. medical, legal, financial, educational, vocational and leisure activities). Educational planning and support. Community and systems advocacy. In-home assistance or consultation to provide support and information to the family or the individual who has a disability to develop and expand strengths and abilities. Workshops and training Support groups Parent to parent networking Limited financial assistance Service Area: New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Acushnet, Wareham, Rochester, Marion, Mattapoisett, and Gosnold. Contact Information: Please contact Sandra Kinney for more information. 508-999-4436 ext 128 sandykinney@nemasketgroup.org. Referral Process: Any family member can call us directly or ask to be referred by an agency. http://nemasketgroup.org/
New Bedford Family Support Resources Name of Agency & Program: New Bedford Family Resource and Development Center is a program of United Way of Greater New Bedford in collaboration with New Bedford Community Connections Coalition Target Population: Families with children 0-18 with a special concentration in families with children 6-18 that are experiencing CRA - related issues Eligibility Requirements: Free to Families with Children 0-18 Mission and/or Goals of Program: To provide access to services and supports that strengthen and support families Types of Services and Supports Offered: Information and Referral to community resources, Parent Education and Support programs, Services for families experiencing CRA related issues with their children Service Area: Greater New Bedford Location: 105 William St 3rd floor New Bedford, MA Hours of Operation: Monday 8:30 am- 8:00 pm, Tue- Friday 8;30 am -5:00 pm Contact Information: Main Number 508-994-4251 P 508-994-4525 F Referral Process: Families can walk in any time during hours of operation. Families can also call the FR&DC and ask to speak to the person on coverage for the day. Community Partners can make referrals via telephone and fax to Stephanie Taylor -508-994-4521 9 p https://unitedwayofgnb.org/
New Bedford Family Support Resources Name of Agency & Program: PIN (Parent Information Network) Target Population: Parent Information Network is a parent support program designed by parents and professionals to help families who are challenged by children s mental, emotional and/or behavioral challenges age 5-25. Eligibility Requirements: The Parent Information Network serves families with children who have mental health/ emotional/behavioral challenges at six different locations in Southeastern Massachusetts. Mission and/or Goals of Program: The goal of PIN is to empower families and assist them in navigating the system and accessing the supports and services necessary to maintain their child within their community. PIN helps parents/caregivers stay connected with other parents, to help reduce the stress and isolation many feel as they cope with the challenges of raising a child with mental health needs. PIN is staffed by parents whom themselves have raised or are raising children with similar challenges. Program goals include helping parent s gain a sense of competency in parenting their child with mental health issues, empowering parents to navigate the systems for needed supports and services, and educate parents and professionals about the needs of children with mental health challenges. Types of Services and Supports Offered: Parent Support Groups enable parents to come together to gain strength and support from each other, share ideas and information, and to learn from professionals One-on-one support from Parent Coordinators or Parent Supporters include one-on-one meetings with parents, telephone contact, support during school and family meetings, and application assistance based upon family and individual needs Support Services for parents of transitional age youth (ages 14-25), a monthly support group is held at the PIN office Parent and Community Education heightens awareness about the struggles many families face when raising a child with mental health challenges Family Activities and Events provide opportunities for parents to socialize in a positive and affirming environment Resource Center includes books, videos, and manuals on youth mental health issues and information on services available in the community. Materials are easily accessed and free of charge Service Area: PIN provides support to families across Southeastern Massachusetts: Brockton, Plymouth, Cape Cod, Taunton/Attleboro, New Bedford, Fall River, and surrounding towns. Location: 47 East Grove St., Middleboro, MA 02346 Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Contact Information: By phone: 508-947-8779 or email: PIN@BAMSI.org Referral Process: Families can contact the office on their own or the program accepts referrals from community. PIN is a BAMSI program funded by Department of Mental Health www.bamsi.org
Fall River Family Support Resources
Fall River Family Support Resources Name of Agency & Program: People, Incorporated Family Advocacy and Community Education Center (FACE Center) Target Population: Children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families Eligibility Requirements: All children and adults with a developmental disability may request information and referral services and assistance with the Department of Developmental Services eligibility process. Mission and/or Goals of Program: The FACE Center provides an array of specialized services available to families of children and adults who are or may be eligible for services through the Department of Developmental Services. The goal of the program is to provide families with the support they need to reach their goals. Types of Services and Supports Offered: Information and Referral Information about community resources is available through phone and in-person consultation with a FACE Center Family Advocate. The Advocate will also provide referrals to available services. Short Term Service Navigation Short term service navigation is available to any family that feels they are in need of short-term, individualized support. Short-term service navigation includes specific issues that the family is facing as well as assistance with the guardianship process and the eligibility application for department services. Extended Service Navigation Extended Service Navigation requires a referral from the Department of Developmental Services and will provide the family with support over an extended period of time. Social, Educational, and Recreational Opportunities for Children and Adults The Center offers an array of activities and events for children, youth and adults with a developmental disability including playgroups for young children, a recreational program for children aged 7-13. Our Community Supports Program provides supervised group outings for adults. Sibshops - Sibshops are fun and lively events that provide peer support and information for the school-age brothers and sisters of children with special health and developmental needs. Service Area: Greater Fall River Location: 4 South Main Street, Fall River, MA, 02721 Hours of Operation: 8 4 Monday through Friday and by appointment Contact Information: Marilyn Grubb, Program Director, Phone: 774-627-2439 E-mail: mgrubb@peopleinc-fr.org Fax: 508-679-6211 Referral Process: Families may call for assistance, agency staff should send requests to above contact person. www.peopleinc-fr.org
Fall River Family Support Resources Name of Agency & Program: United Neighbors of Fall River/Community Connections Coalition Target Population: Vulnerable Populations Eligibility Requirements: none Mission and/or Goals of Program: The United Neighbors of Fall River Community Connections Coalition is committed to promoting a strong, healthy and safe community which will assist families in the promotion of domestic peace and tranquility, optimum growth and development of our children and secure and stable family environments. As a coalition we will strive to coordinate and build on existing resources in an effort to develop strong, sustainable family support systems. Types of Services and Supports Offered: Resource Navigation, Nurturing Fathers Groups, Nurturing Fathers Program for Young Dads, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren group, emergency food, emergency clothing, parent support and advocacy Service Area: Greater Fall River Location: 209 Bedford Street Suite 401 Fall River 02720 Hours of Operation: 7:30 5:00 some evenings and weekends, call for hours Contact Information: Wendy Garf-Lipp 508-324-7900 Referral Process: social worker can call or client can call directly http://www.unitedneighborsoffallriver.org/
Fall River Family Support Resources Name of Agency & Program: PIN (Parent Information Network) Target Population: Parent Information Network is a parent support program designed by parents and professionals to help families who are challenged by children s mental, emotional and/or behavioral challenges age 5-25. Eligibility Requirements: The Parent Information Network serves families with children who have mental health/ emotional/behavioral challenges at six different locations in Southeastern Massachusetts. Mission and/or Goals of Program: The goal of PIN is to empower families and assist them in navigating the system and accessing the supports and services necessary to maintain their child within their community. PIN helps parents/caregivers stay connected with other parents, to help reduce the stress and isolation many feel as they cope with the challenges of raising a child with mental health needs. PIN is staffed by parents whom themselves have raised or are raising children with similar challenges. Program goals include helping parent s gain a sense of competency in parenting their child with mental health issues, empowering parents to navigate the systems for needed supports and services, and educate parents and professionals about the needs of children with mental health challenges. Types of Services and Supports Offered: Parent Support Groups enable parents to come together to gain strength and support from each other, share ideas and information, and to learn from professionals One-on-one support from Parent Coordinators or Parent Supporters include one-on-one meetings with parents, telephone contact, support during school and family meetings, and application assistance based upon family and individual needs Support Services for parents of transitional age youth (ages 14-25), a monthly support group is held at the PIN office Parent and Community Education heightens awareness about the struggles many families face when raising a child with mental health challenges Family Activities and Events provide opportunities for parents to socialize in a positive and affirming environment Resource Center includes books, videos, and manuals on youth mental health issues and information on services available in the community. Materials are easily accessed and free of charge Service Area: PIN provides support to families across Southeastern Massachusetts: Brockton, Plymouth, Cape Cod, Taunton/Attleboro, New Bedford, Fall River, and surrounding towns. Location: 47 East Grove St., Middleboro, MA 02346 Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Contact Information: By phone: 508-947-8779 or email: PIN@BAMSI.org Referral Process: Families can contact the office on their own or the program accepts referrals from community. PIN is a BAMSI program funded by Department of Mental Health www.bamsi.org
Taunton/Attleboro Family Support Resources
Taunton/Attleboro Family Support Resources Name of Agency & Program: The Arc of Bristol County Family Support Center Target Population: Children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families Eligibility Requirements: The child or adult must meet the eligibility criteria for the Department of Developmental Services. Mission and/or Goals of Program: Types of Services and Supports Offered: The Family Support Center offers a variety of supports with the goal of keeping services that are family and individually driven. Staff welcomes the opportunity to work with each family or individual to understand their needs, as well as, provide supports that will be meaningful to them. We believe in a team approach that brings a family, their community, and possible service providers together to provide needed supports and services. The following services are available to families. Information & Referral Resources, Services, and Benefits Navigation Educational Seminars Family Networking Support Groups Brothers and Sisters Group Project Kids Connect (Recreational Programs and inclusion facilitation into existing community activities) Family Fun Days Family Advisory Council Agency with Choice Funds for Respite and / or Recreation Service Area: Attleboro, Berkley, Dighton, Lakeville, Mansfield, Middleboro, North Attleboro, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Taunton Location: The Arc s Family Support Center Mailing address: 141 Park Street; Attleboro, MA 02703 Physical address: 146 Pleasant Street; Attleboro, MA 02703 Contact Information: 508-226-1445 or 1-888-343-3301 Referral Process: For further information please contact the Family Support Center at 508-226-1445 or 1-888-343-3301 ext 3118.
Taunton/Attleboro Family Support Resources Name of Agency & Program: PIN (Parent Information Network) Target Population: Parent Information Network is a parent support program designed by parents and professionals to help families who are challenged by children s mental, emotional and/or behavioral challenges age 5-25. Eligibility Requirements: The Parent Information Network serves families with children who have mental health/ emotional/behavioral challenges at six different locations in Southeastern Massachusetts. Mission and/or Goals of Program: The goal of PIN is to empower families and assist them in navigating the system and accessing the supports and services necessary to maintain their child within their community. PIN helps parents/caregivers stay connected with other parents, to help reduce the stress and isolation many feel as they cope with the challenges of raising a child with mental health needs. PIN is staffed by parents whom themselves have raised or are raising children with similar challenges. Program goals include helping parent s gain a sense of competency in parenting their child with mental health issues, empowering parents to navigate the systems for needed supports and services, and educate parents and professionals about the needs of children with mental health challenges. Types of Services and Supports Offered: Parent Support Groups enable parents to come together to gain strength and support from each other, share ideas and information, and to learn from professionals One-on-one support from Parent Coordinators or Parent Supporters include one-on-one meetings with parents, telephone contact, support during school and family meetings, and application assistance based upon family and individual needs Support Services for parents of transitional age youth (ages 14-25), a monthly support group is held at the PIN office Parent and Community Education heightens awareness about the struggles many families face when raising a child with mental health challenges Family Activities and Events provide opportunities for parents to socialize in a positive and affirming environment Resource Center includes books, videos, and manuals on youth mental health issues and information on services available in the community. Materials are easily accessed and free of charge Service Area: PIN provides support to families across Southeastern Massachusetts: Brockton, Plymouth, Cape Cod, Taunton/Attleboro, New Bedford, Fall River, and surrounding towns. Location: 47 East Grove St., Middleboro, MA 02346 Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Contact Information: Phone: 508-947-8779 or email: PIN@BAMSI.org Referral Process: Families can contact the office on their own or the program accepts referrals from community. PIN is a BAMSI program funded by Department of Mental Health www.bamsi.org
Regional Family Support Resources
Regional Family Support Resources Name of Agency & Program: Community Autism Resources, Inc. Target Population: Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. Eligibility Requirements: The individual must meet the eligibility criteria for the Department of Developmental Services. Mission and/or Goals of Program: A place to start A presence on your journey. Types of Services and Supports Offered: The array of services and supports includes: Information and Referral Clinics on a variety of topics: Education & Understanding ASD( communication, social, sensory and behavioral issues); classroom organization & curriculum modifications) Assistive Technology/ ipad Support; I.E.P. Review & Planning; Social Skill Support; Transition Planning; Visual Systems) Support Groups Access to the latest information on autism spectrum disorders Course Offerings an extensive series of workshops designed to teach the skills and techniques needed by families & professionals to assist individuals with ASD Parent Networking and Mentoring Social & Sensory Programs Monthly Family events Lending Library Weekly Monday Morning Message Community Days with local Police & Fire Departments Awareness programs within communities Service Area: Cities and towns: Southeast Region, including Attleboro, Brockton, Cape Cod and the Islands, Fall River, New Bedford, Plymouth, South Coastal Areas, Taunton and the neighboring cities and towns. Location: 33 James Reynolds Rd. Unit C, Swansea, MA 02777. We travel throughout our region offering one-to-one clinics in seven locations throughout our region. Courses are also offered throughout our service area. Contact Information: Jan Randall Parent Resource Specialist 508-379-0371 ext. 16. http://www.community-autism-resources.com/
Regional Family Support Resources Name of Agency and Program: Old Colony YMCA Parenting with Love & Limits (PLL) partnership between DYS and the Old Colony YMCA Target Population: Identified client is youth between the ages of 13-20; however, program works with all family members. Eligibility Requirements/Insurance: Clients must be committed to the Department of Youth Services (Southeast Region). There are no insurance requirements. Mission and/or Goals of Program: Parenting with Love and Limits (PLL) is an evidence-based family education, skill-building and therapeutic intervention model which has demonstrated effectiveness in significantly reducing aggressive behaviors, depression, attention deficit disorder problems, externalizing problems and substance use while also reducing recidivism and improving family communication. The program targets specific risk and protective factors related to delinquency and other emotional and behavioral problems. PLL is currently recognized as a Model Program through OJJDP and SAMSHA s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (http://www.difficult.net). PLL utilizes assessment, group sessions and individual coaching sessions throughout the program. Typically, parenting groups are based on one treatment approach, but then during aftercare, individual family therapy is based on something completely different. This creates confusion in the family and inhibits positive change. PLL consistently employs one highly effective, research-based treatment model throughout both parent group and family therapy, with each session building on prior sessions. Parents/caregivers and adolescents attend group together to receive a new skill once each week, and that same week they receive individual family therapy "coaching" to practice this new skill. Types of Services and Supports Offered: Families receive three to six months of services in this program. They experience various pre & post assessments, six weeks of family groups and twelve (minimum) family coaching sessions. Service Area: Southeast Region Quincy, Brockton, Taunton, Fall River, New Bedford, & Bourne Referral Process: Families must be referred by their DYS Caseworker. Shelby Englund (PLL Clinician) is the contact for all referrals. Contact Information: Old Colony YMCA 320 Main Street Brockton, MA 02301 Katie Joyce - kjoyce@oldcolonyymca.org or (781)389-5731 http://www.oldcolonyymca.org/
Statewide Family Support Resources
Statewide Family Support Resources Parents Helping Parents of Massachusetts Parents Helping Parents pursues its parent empowerment mission by providing two free parent support services: A 24-hour Parental Stress Line that provides telephone counseling and information and referral to parents; A network of anonymous and confidential Parent Support Groups that meet in many locations throughout Massachusetts. These services compliment each other. That is, parents can call the Parental Stress Line for 24-hour parenting help and may choose to join weekly Parent Support Groups for ongoing support. Both programs are anonymous, confidential, and uniquely suited to support parents who are feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or hesitant to ask for help from people they know. Name of Agency & Program: Parents Helping Parents/Parental Stress Line Target Population: Stressed and isolated parents with children under 21 Eligibility Requirements: None Mission and/or Goals of Program: Empower parents to nurture their children in a safe home Types of Services and Supports Offered: Telephone counseling Service Area: Statewide Location: Virtual Hours of Operation: 24 hours Contact Information: 1-800-632-8188 Referral Process: Call directly Name of Agency & Program: Parents Helping Parents/Parent Support Groups Target Population: Stressed and isolated parents with children under 21 Eligibility Requirements: None Mission and/or Goals of Program: Empower parents to nurture their children in a safe home Types of Services and Supports Offered: Mutual support group Service Area: Statewide Location: Varies with group. For location and contact information for all active groups see www.parentshelpingparents.org/#!locate-a-group/c1oba Hours of Operation: 1½ to 2 hours per week. Day and time varies with the group. Contact Information: Rita Higgins, 617-926-5008 x102. Referral Process: Call Rita Higgins or group contact person. http://www.parentshelpingparents.org/
Statewide Family Support Resources Name of Agency & Program: Parent Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) Target Population: Providing hope for children with mental health needs and their families through education, advocacy, outreach and support Mission and/or Goals of Program: Parent/Professional Advocacy League is a statewide, grassroots family organization that advocates for improved access to mental health services for children, youth and their families. PPAL s goals are to support families, nurture parent leaders and work for systems change. PPAL is the only Massachusetts organization whose work focuses solely on the interests of families whose children have mental health needs. Founded in 1991, PPAL continues to work on behalf of children, youth and families as a critical voice shaping policy and practice. Types of Services and Supports Offered: Networking PPAL families connect with each other through support groups and family partners. Information, resources and inspiring stories are disseminated to our ever-widening network through a monthly newsletter, PPAL s Facebook page, blogs and web site. Workshops & Trainings PPAL provides more than 85 presentations, workshops and trainings focused on issues related to children s mental health annually. We offer topic-specific trainings for families and professionals. PPAL offers trainings to families for free or at a low cost. Support PPAL believes no parent should have to struggle alone. We provide help through one-on-one communication, support groups and resource distribution. Families and youth can visit our website to find fact sheets, advocacy tools, support groups listings and more. Youth Voice Youth use their experiences to advocate for changes in the systems directly impacting their lives. PPAL is currently the Massachusetts chapter of Youth MOVE, a youth-led national organization dedicated to unifying youth voice and improving the services and systems supporting youth. Service Area: Statewide Location: 15 Court Sq, Suite 600 Boston, MA 02108 Contact Information: Toll Free: (866)815-8122 Fax: (617)542-7832 Email: info@ppal.net http://ppal.net/
June 2015 This project was made possible through a partnership with PIN, a BAMSI Program funded by the Department of Mental Health