Did you see our ad in Family Magazine?
The Child and Family Support Program, a peer run program, offers a variety of services to include support, advocacy, and education to those who have a family member suffering from a mental illness. Advocates working in the program have a child or family member diagnosed with a mental illness.
Parents and caregivers, community partners and agencies, as well as professionals access the program for information and referrals. Our current list of private counselors and psychiatrists, as well as our lists of clinics throughout Erie County, provides parents and community partners with accurate information so that they may make the most immediate and appropriate linkage to treatment.
Services may differ depending on whether the family member is a child, adolescent or an adult. |
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CHILDREN
Facing the reality of having a child with significant emotional and/or behavioral challenges is often an overwhelming experience for families. |
| Thrust into unfamiliar territory, families quickly begin to feel lost and isolated. CFSP helps the child's caretaker learn necessary skills and information to effectively advocate for their family. |
| Services are aimed at helping families to maintain their children in the most appropriate, yet least restrictive environment. |
ADOLESCENTS
The transition from adolescence to becoming a young adult may be extremely difficult for those also suffering from a mental illness. CFSP assists youth and families with information on accessing supports through college and in the workforce; also connecting them with other youth and families facing these same challenges.
Workshops and conferences are available to young adults; encouraging them to advocate on their own behalf. CFSP is a member of Families Together NYS, a state-wide organization that strives to establish a unified voice for children and youth with emotional, behavioral and social challenges and also promotes youth voice and choice.
Young adults are encouraged to be an active part in their treatment plan.
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ADULTS
Families who may have an adult family member or relative diagnosed with a mental illness find it difficult to advocate on behalf of their loved one/relative because of confidentiality and HIPPA laws.
Advocates work with families to help alleviate these barriers as well as providing support and education regarding services available in addition to linking them to family support groups and family education programs such as "Family to Family" provided by NAMI. (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
Advocacy - Family Advocates work with families on reaching their self-identified goals. Advocacy is multi-faceted and involves:
- Learning to navigate the mental health system.
- Understanding and learning to pursue appropriate educational accommodations.
- Discussions with the child's treatment team.
- Working with formal and informal community supports.
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Phone Support - Family advocates are available Monday through Friday to provide an understanding ear and a wealth of information about services and supports in Erie County, your family's rights and the mechanics of the system. |
| Respite - A child's behaviors can often make it impossible for the caretakers to get a break. Short-term respite provided by a trained, experienced, background-cleared respite worker can help. This program is available for children 4-18 years of age. Request an application for respite now! |
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Family Support Groups- Support groups are open to parents, foster parents, grandparents or any caregiver/guardian to provide support and alleviate isolation.
Family support group offers: |
- An opportunity for parents to talk, problem-solve, learn skills for self-advocacy and celebrate accomplishments in a mutually supportive environment.
- Parent-run, parent-driven sessions, which are not and should not be therapy sessions, but can be very therapeutic.
- Group respite (childcare) with trained respite providers (one week notice required).
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What one parent said about family support group
"...it has been a lifesaver for me to lean on experienced, non-judgemental, informed parents who deal with issues similar to my own."
Trainings, Workshops and Conferences - CFSP offers trainings and guest speakers during support groups, and advocates keep abreast of area presentations to help families enhance self-advocacy skills. Some past offerings have been Parent Empowerment Program, Systems of Care, Committee on Special Education, and Medication and Diagnoses.
Family Activities - Families raising children with emotional or behavioral challeges often find participation in community activities difficult. The Child and Family Support Program offers at least two family activities each year. |
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Annual Family Picnic - held each summer
Annual Good & Plenty Dinner - held in late fall
or early winter |
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