PURPOSE: Parent Support is provided to assist parents/guardians of children with serious emotional disturbance to manage the many stresses involved in that role and to access resources needed for their child to be able to function in the family and society.

PROCEDURE: Parents/guardians who seek services at Family Life Center for a child determined to be seriously emotionally disturbed will be contacted by the Parent Support Specialist. Parents/guardians will be given information about all services available to them through Family Life Center and they will be offered an opportunity to meet with the Parent Support Specialist to get assistance in obtaining these services and to identify other resources and support they may need. The Parent Support Specialist may also assist families in identifying and removing barriers to getting their child’s service needs met. A therapist or case manager for a child with serious emotional disturbance may refer a parent/guardian to parent support and the parent/guardian may request parent support at any time. The Parent Support Specialist will also develop and maintain parent support groups that are readily available to parents and guardians. These services will also be made available to parents/guardians of children who are non-SED.

FEES: There are no fees for parent support services.

ACCESS/REFERRAL: Parents/guardians of children determined to have a serious emotional disturbance who seek services at Family Life Center will be contacted by the Parent Support Specialist and offered these services. These individuals may also request these services at any time during the duration of their child’s treatment.

CONTACT PERSONS TITLE: Parent Support Specialist

CONTACT PERSONS PHONE NUMBER: Riverton (620) 848-2300, Columbus (620) 429-1860