Programs

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Children’s Special Health Services (CSHS)
CSHS is a division of the Office of Public Health. A parent liaison from Families Helping Families attends their special medical clinics to provide one-to-one support and information about available community services. The liaison works closely with the medical and professional staff to ensure that the needs of the children and their families are being met. Children ages birth to twenty-one with special needs may be eligible for the medical services at these clinics.

Inclusive Education Outreach
The facilitator provides one-to-one support and assistance to family members of toddlers, children and youth with disabilities in learning about advocating for and promoting inclusive educational opportunities. Workshops and informational presentations are presented in each parish of the region regarding inclusive education. Families Helping Families works with the local education agencies and other relevant community agencies to coordinate efforts to support families and professionals regarding inclusive education practices.

"Kids on the Block" Puppets
These are lifelike, toddler sized puppets used to teach disability awareness to elementary age children. Skits are about 20 minutes long after which the children get a chance to interact with the puppets by asking questions and singing the theme song.

Project PROMPT (Parents Reaching out Model for Parent Training)
is funded by the United States Department of Education to provide parent information and training. The facilitator of this program informs parents of their children’s rights under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 1997) and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The PROMPT facilitator can attend IEP (individual education plan) meetings with families to help with the task of defining an appropriate education for their child. The facilitator also offers workshops which teach families about their rights and responsibilities under the law. One-to-one support is also provided to families.

SibShops
These are fun-filled, activity packed support groups for siblings of children with special needs. These groups allow the siblings to express and share their feelings openly and gain new friendships

ECSS (Early Childhood Supports and Services)

ECSS is a local integrated comprehensive system of prevention & care for young children, age birth to age five.  It is a coordinated group of community supports and services to promote optimal functioning of these young children and their families.  These children, who have been identified at risk, receive interventions that involved coordinated screening, evaluation, referral, and treatment.  Currently serves DeSoto Parish only.

laSIG2 ( Louisiana State Improvement Grant)The primary purpose is to improve Louisiana's service system in ways that better meet the needs of all students by improving special education services within the context of general reform initiatives.  Families Helping Families role is to support and empower the families of DeSoto Parish during this process.

 

Family to Family Health Information Center Families receive training and technical assistance on finding medical, dental and mental health services in their communities; information on statewide services and advocacy assistance to help them have an active voice in the decision making process for overall health services and supports in Louisiana.