Are you looking for someone who understands the emotional challenges you face, can help find services to meet your child's needs, or want to better understand the service system that exists for your family? Whether you are a new parent, just starting out, or a veteran and thinking about transition to adulthood, YOU'VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!

The Family TIES Parent-to-Parent Program provides a unique type of support among parents who share similar life experiences. Parents learn so much from the practical experiences of other parents. We are proud members of the P2PUSA network.

• BACK TO SCHOOL: are you ready? Looking for answers to questions about special education services? Refer to: Special Education PAC (SEPAC) to find other parents to share your journey. MASSPAC is a project of the Federation for Children with Special Needs and provides support to SEPACs. Contact the Federation for more info.

• September is a good time to get finances in order. Come back soon to learn more about public benefits that may be available for your child.

• EEE ALERT:  The State has announced that the risk for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in people has increased in a large part of southeastern Massachusetts. Please click to read the DPH advisory, details, and information on mosquito repellents. Protect your family from contracting this potentially deadly infection!

• How can we help? Our Family TIES Regional Coordinators offer a listening ear, as you consider the kinds of information you need to meet the needs of your child and family. Give us a call.

• Support groups offer parents a safe place to talk about the joys and challenges of caring for a child with special needs. Or, if we can help your group to expand, please contact your Regional Coordinator to share meeting details. This helps you, new parents, and our program. Please share this important resource!
• CHECK IT OUT! Two great items to click: AAP Policy Statement on Emergency Information Forms and Emergency Preparedness for Children with Special Health Care Needs and an article on Complex Child E-Magazine: Breathing Easy: A Trach at Home.
• MDPH's Community Support Line - Support for Families
• ALLERGYEATS! is a new website to help the public to identify restaurants across the country that can meet the special needs of those with food allergies. Check it out: www.allergyeats.com
• Looking for an assistive technology device? Visit Abledata to find possible solutions to a wide range of challenges.
• The PCA Quality Home Care Workforce Council has created a resource tool for families looking for PCAs to help care for their loved ones. Visit their website for the listing and a great Tip Sheet (in English and Spanish) on the process of managing PCA services at home.
• Families of children with emotional challenges have many great resources:  PAL (Parent/Professional Advocacy League), the Mental Health How-To Guide compiled by the Boston Bar Association and Children's Hospital, CBHI (Children's Behavioral Health Initiative), and Parents Helping Parents. You are not alone!
• The Department of Public Health needs to hear from families, as they develop programs to meet your needs. Please consider today becoming a Family TIES advisor!