Overview
Learning that your child has a disability can be overwhelming and confusing. Many parents of children who have been recently diagnosed are full of questions and concerns. Having one-on-one support from another parent who has "been there" can be helpful in answering your questions and letting you know that you are not alone.
Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center's (CPAC) Family Connections program is for parents in Connecticut who have a child with a disability, ages birth to three years old who are receiving services through Connecticut's Birth to Three System. CPAC matches parents, one-on-one, with other experienced parents who also have children with disabilities, and can provide answers to questions, a listening ear, resources, and guidance. Parent matches are made based on the children's disabilities, ages, and location in the state.
In addition, Family Connections offers over the phone support from our dedicated Early Childhood Parent Consultants who can provide guidance in topics related to Birth to Three system, transition from Early Intervention into Preschool Special Education, disability specific questions, understanding your child’s IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan), resources and more. Our parent consultants are parents of children with disabilities and have firsthand knowledge of early intervention and related topics.
WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM OFFER TO FAMILIES?
The Family Connections Program offers families the opportunity to connect with other families who have experience with the Birth to Three system. Current families can participate in any or ALL of these options:
- Parents and caregivers can request a short-term parent mentor who has “been there” and can help prepare for future planning.
- Join a closed Facebook support group for Birth to Three families
- Access to our First STEPs Parent Training
- Receive one to one phone consultation with one of our Parent Consultants
- Access to Learning Series with Early Childhood Professionals
- Access to a video library of previous trainings (YouTube)
- Download our "One Page" for Family Connections
- Receive our bi-monthly newsletter:
WHY FAMILY CONNECTIONS?
Family Connections staff are all parents of children with special needs and have experience supporting other families. Our staff have come to learn that connecting with other families is a critical support in raising our own children. Staff and mentors can help families reduce the sense of isolation they may feel, as well as help families to gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to be effective participants in their child's program decisions to increase their child's success.
HOW DO FAMILIES SIGN UP FOR THE PROGRAM?
Families interested in participating in the program can fill out the online application form, call us at 860-739-3089 or talk to their Birth to Three providers. Once the family submits their contact information a Family Connections Parent Consultant will call them and offer additional information on the program and find out how the family wants to participate.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO BE MATCHED WITH ANOTHER PARENT?
Our staff will locate a parent who can provide you support based on your preferences and needs. Once you are matched with another parent, the relationship starts to evolve on its own. Depending on what you are looking for from your parent mentor, this unique partnership can last a few weeks or turn into a long-lasting friendship. Many parents are interested in receiving information and resources in the community while other parents are seeking more in-depth information about the disability and others are just looking for emotional support and an empathetic listening ear. Matches are usually short term four weeks, but many parents become lifelong friends.
HOW CAN MY PARENT MENTOR HELP ME?
Since parents of young children with disabilities and developmental delays share common goals and experiences, their relationship is unique. This support is different than any other in the world, different from the support of a professional or a family member. Parents who have been there can offer you help with the following:
- Talking about your feelings, stress and worries associated with everyday struggles
- Finding resources in the community
- Discussing the impact of disability on your family
- Planning for the future
Families involved with our Families Connections program receive our bimonthly Early Childhood Newsletter, which aims to address questions about raising a young child with a disability. To sign up to receive our Early Childhood e-newsletter.
