Family Support Services
Family Support Services is a family driven program for parents, siblings, and extended families of children with disabilities. Our
goal is that parents and
family members will feel less overwhelmed and alone, and acquire the skills and
knowledge they need to be better advocates for their child, and reduce family
stress.
This is accomplished via a multi-tiered system of
support that includes information and referral, family activities, and various
additional services that are designed to strengthen and support families.
Advocacy and Support
Intensive support and guidance to assist and empower families to become
effective advocates for their child while navigating the Special Education,
Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and/or Medical Assistance Systems.
Community-Links...A project of Dauphin and Cumberland/Perry Early Intervention
Comprehensive resource that "links" families with everyday community
opportunities…those places in which all children can grow, learn, and have
positive experiences. Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry county community resources
are located in an online database, accessible 24 hours a day, and seven days a
week. Please visit
www.community-links.net.
Family Activities
All families need to have time together, for some it can be challenging given
the needs of their child with a disability. Family activities provide a safe
environment for families to interact as a family unit, as well as get to know
other families and receive informal support. For a tentative calendar of
activities click here.
Information and Referral
Services are available for assistance with understanding information or
identifying additional resources, and can be related to heath care services or
resources, special education, family support, income maintenance, disabilities,
and basic human needs.
Lending Library
There are over 1,600 books, videos, DVDs, specialty supply catalogs, and
magazines. The library is open to anyone and is free of charge. Categories
include, but are not limited to, disability-specific information, sibling
issues, behavior, communication, potty training, self-help, and special
education.
Sibshops
Sibshops provide opportunities for brothers
and sisters of children with disabilities, to provide support and information to
each other within a recreational setting. Sessions provide siblings with an
opportunity to learn how others handle situations commonly experienced by
siblings of children with disabilities. Sibshop sessions are offered in the
spring and fall.
Workshops & Trainings
Informational opportunities for parents and professionals to enhance their
skills or acquire new skills in a variety of areas including, but not limited
to, special education law, estate planning, behavioral intervention, family
dynamics, and more!
For more information on our Family Support Services or for information on how you can become involved, please email Roxanne Daniel, Family Service Coordinator, or call Roxanne at 800-998-4UCP.
The UCP Family Service Program is funded, in part, by the community's contribution to the United Way of the Capital Region and the United Way of Carlisle and Cumberland County.
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