Wayside Youth & Family Support Network Parent Partnership Program

Building Strength, Hope & Resiliency
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Parent Partnership Program

 
Philosophy
 
 
The Parent Partnership Program offers guidance, resources, and direct support to parents, guardians and caregivers of children/adolescents who may experience social, emotional, behavioral, learning differences or mental health needs. 
 
We believe families have a direct role in shaping the system that serves them.  We help families gain the confidence they need to become more effective advocates for services and supports that
are based on family strengths, as well as respect for cultural values and diversity.
 
 
Parent Partners and Parent Coordinators are themselves parents of children/adolescents
who experience social, emotional, behavioral, learning differences or mental health needs.  We advocate for programs, treatment, and policies that enable families to live in their communities in an environment of stability and respect.
 
 
 
 

           Our focus is to...

 

* Provide free and on-going parent education  group for parents of transition age adolescents/ young adults (17 - 25) monthly in Arlington and Framingham.

 
* Provide support group on-line for families who cannot attend an outside support group.
 
* Coach families in developing advocacy and negotiation skills.
 
* Assist families in identifying their needs.
 
* Provide parents with information on medication, diagnosis and services.
 
* Link families to resources within their communities such as therapeutic activities, camps and respite care.
 
* Empower families to understand and exercise their rights.
 
* Provide information on medications, diagnoses,  and educate families on ways to navigate the Educational, Legal, Health Care Systems and State Agencies.
 
* Provide bi-monthly on-going support group for children who have siblings with mental health needs.  "SibClub" is a discussion and activity based group.
 
* Educate community organizations and schools.
 
 
All services are available free of charge to any parents, guardians or caregivers in the community who are facing the challenge of raising a  child/ adolescent with behavioral, emotional, and/or mental health issues.