Family Support Services

Parents know their children best, that is why you will find that The Kennedy Center Children’s Services team will truly listen to your interests and concerns and always include parents in identifying and developing the most appropriate services for their child and family. Many of our staff are parents of children with special needs, so we understand the many joys and challenges of raising a child with a disability.

Services can include:

Resource and Referral

Parents are welcome to call any of The Kennedy Center Children's Services staff when in search of local and statewide services and information. This service is at no charge.

For more information, please contact The Kennedy Center Children's Services Staff at 203-332-4535, ext. 249 or email.

Autism Specific

Parent Support Groups

The Kennedy Center Parent Support Groups meet monthly and offer opportunities for parents of children with autism to network and share information and emotional support. One group is facilitated in Spanish. Support Groups are free to all interested families.

For more information, please contact The Kennedy Center Autism Project Manager at 203- 332-4535, ext. 247 or email.

Workshops and Trainings

The Kennedy Center's Autism Workshops and Trainings are typically designed with the parent/caregiver in mind although professionals in the field of autism are often welcome to attend. Offerings have included such topics as an Introduction to Autism, Behavioral Modification, Navigating The Special Education Maze, including the IEP and PPT process and Parent Advocacy. We are always open to suggestions from parents or Parent Groups and will do our best to provide workshops or trainings on new and pertinent topics of interest.

For more information, please contact The Kennedy Center Autism Project Manager at 203- 332-4535 x 247or email.

FALL OFFERINGS
ASRC Advocacy Trainings

Service Coordination

Funding made available through our Autism Project, enables us to provide a select number of parents with Service Coordination Services. Through a collaborative process, our Parent Educator can meet with parents and assist in identifying, assessing and accessing services that meet their child and family’s needs. Formal referrals from area agencies for Service Coordination Services can also be accommodated on a fee-for-service basis.

For more information, please contact The Kennedy Center Autism Project Manager at 203- 332-4535, ext. 247 or email.

DCF Funding Required

Therapeutic Support Services

The Kennedy Center Therapeutic Support Services address the individualized needs of children with complex behavioral health needs that are at risk of entering a residential level of care or are being discharged from residential treatment or a more acute level of care. This service includes a combination of structured and enrichment activities consistent with identified treatment plan objectives. All families must be referred through The Department of Children and Families (DCF).

For more information, please contact The Kennedy Center Children's Services Director at 203- 332-4535, ext. 337 or email.

Family Enrichment Services

The Kennedy Center Family Enrichment Services provide home-based support, advocacy and education to families under stress or whose children are at a risk of child abuse and/or neglect. By developing a non-judgmental and nurturing relationship and assisting in mobilizing resources, our team provides the support to help a parent succeed often under very difficult circumstances. All families must be referred through The Department of Children and Families (DCF).

For more information, please contact The Kennedy Center Family Enrichment Specialist at 203- 332-4535, ext. 278 or email.