What's New with Family TIES
Information & Resource Updates
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DIRECTORY: The 11th edition of the Family TIES of Massachusetts Directory of Resources for Families of Children with Special Needs will soon be out - come to the Federation conference on March 1st to get the first copies available!. Resource information for families whose primary language is Spanish or Portugese will again be available in our chapters entitled EN ESPAÑOL and EM PORTUGUÊS. Please call your Regional Coordinator to get a copy - or download from the website after March 30th.
- WHAT'S WORKING FOR YOU? : We are always anxious to learn about community programs that are helpful to families of children with special needs. Please share your good experiences with Family TIES - and we will take the steps to include new organizations in our Directory of Resources for Families of Children with Special Needs. Thank you!
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New support group listings will be available at the Federation conference, then from the Regional Coordinators. Soon these will be made available on our website. Please contact us with information about new groups - any time!
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Wondering how you can become involved in Family TIES parent activities? We are always interested in recruiting and training Support Parents, the trained volunteers who provide a supportive ear to parents seeking emotional support. Contact Linea Luck Pearson, our Parent-to-Parent Coordinator, for more information: 508-792-7880 or lpearson@fcsn.org
- Our SHARE YOUR VOICE! Parent Advisor Program gives parents of children with special needs a way to share their personal experiences and the expertise developed in caring for their child with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Contact Linea or download the enrollment form and complete and mail back to us - and we'll be happy to send information so you can SHARE YOUR VOICE! Advisors Form 02-08 Advisors Form 2006- en espanol Advisors Form 2006- em portugues
Still More Information...
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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: Individuals (children and adults) who have disabilities are encouraged to complete a Disability Indicator Form and file it with the Disability Coordinator in their community (usually within your local Police Department). Download this form, complete, and file - to assure that the enhanced 9-1-1 system can identify your special needs. Disability Indicator Form 03-05
- The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) website has the Emergency Management Directors Listing on its homepage, under Key Resources (left side). Visit the website by clicking: Executive Office of Public Safety
- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Community Support Line offers information, technical assistance, and referrals for public benefits. Resource specialists are available Mon-Fri, 9-5: 800-882-1435
- The "Directions" Manual was created by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to help families plan and coordinate care for their children. Information forms may be downloaded, for families to build a customized binder.Directions: Resources for Your Child's Care - Health and Human Services
- For a comprehensive look at resources available for children who have emotional and behavioral challenges, look at The Mental Health How-To Guide, compiled by the Boston Bar Association and Children's Hospital, and available on-line: www.childrenshospital.org/mentalhealthguide
- Become a Family TIES Advisor
- Family Resource Database
- FILLING IN THE GAPS [PDF file]
by Beth A. Johnston and Beth A. Dworetzky - What is DPH Care Coordination?
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How to Receive Mail from Family TIES
Members of the Family TIES mailing list receive our periodic communiqué IN TOUCH and news about regional and statewide events for families of children with special needs, including the annual conference hosted by the Federation for Children with Special Needs. At times you may be contacted for your input about programs and state policy issues. This is a confidential mailing list that will not be shared outside of Family TIES. Your name will not be given to any other organizations.To join our mailing list send your name, address and phone number to famties@fcsn.org.
