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Support for Parents and Caregivers
Parent-Peer Partnership Program
We offer guidance, resources, and support to parents of children and adolescents with social, emotional, behavioral, learning differences or mental health needs
Video made by parents participating in “Parenting Journeys” Group
We believe families have a direct role in shaping the system that serves them. We help families gain the confidence they need to become more effective advocates for their families. We advocate for services and supports that are based on family strengths, as well as respect for cultural values and diversity.
The Parent-Peer Partnership Program staff are parents, caregivers and guardians of children/adolescents and young adults who have firsthand experience navigating service systems.
Available Services:
- Provide free parent support groups in the Framingham and Waltham areas. These groups are now virtual.
- Provide support, information and resources to families who cannot participate in virtual support groups.
- Provide free education group for parents of transition age youth 14-25.
- Coach families in developing advocacy and negotiation skills.
- Assist families in identifying their needs.
- Link families to resources in their communities such as therapeutic activities, camps, and respite care.
- Empower families to understand and exercise their rights.
- Provide information on medications, diagnoses and educate families on ways to navigate educational, legal, health care systems, and state agencies.
- Educate community organizations and schools.
Education and Support Groups
Our education programs and support groups are now being offered virtually. Please contact the staff listed below for more information. All Parent-Peer Partnership Program support services are funded by the Department of Mental Health.
Education Programs
Monthly workshops and seminars on issues parents face when raising a child or young adult with mental health issues. Topics can include but are not limited to: young adults transitioning from high school to adulthood, ADHD, transition portfolios and wellness. Framingham parents interested in support groups or joining our email list can email Christi Fagerberg at Christi_Fagerberg@waysideyouth.org or call 508-469-3297. Parents in the Lowell, Medford and Waltham area can contact Kelley_Daron@waysideyouth.org or call 781-966-5644.
Parent Support Groups
Do you have a child with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges? Are you puzzled by your child’s behavior and how to access appropriate services? Are you feeling alone and isolated? Free support groups are being held virtually during COVID-19. Join any of the below meetings, regardless of your location and meet other parents/caregivers in a confidential atmosphere of mutual support.
The support groups below are for parents and caregivers who are raising children and young adults with mental illness.
Framingham Parent/Caregiver Groups: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, Zoom
Open Discussion, Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.
Parent Support Group, Wednesdays, 6 p.m.
Contact group facilitator Christi Fagerberg for a Zoom Meeting invite.
Email: Christi_ Fagerberg@waysideyouth.org or call 508-469-3297 or 470-601-7602
Waltham Parent/Caregiver Open Discussion Groups: Wednesdays & Thursdays, Zoom
Open Discussion, Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Open Discussion, Thursdays, 9:30-11 a.m.
Contact facilitators Catherine Picciotto and Carol Silva for a Zoom meeting invite
Email: Catherine_Picciotto@waysideyouth.org or call 781-966-5690
Email: Carol_Silva@waysideyouth.org or call 781-423-5218
Lowell Parent/Caregiver Open Discussion Groups: Tuesdays & Thursdays, Zoom
Open Discussion Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m.
Open Discussion Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m.
Contact facilitators Roberta Agostinho and Malik Marrero for a Zoom meeting invite.
Email: Roberta_Agostinho@waysideyouth.org or call 978-349-4177
Email: Malik_Marrero@waysideyouth.org or call 978-349-4171
Community Resources for Parents and Children
Our Family Partners have compiled this list of support groups offered in the community:
PPAL Parent/Peer Support Groups – Worcester Area – click here
Approved Parent Education Program Providers for Court Required Parenting Class for divorcing parents – click here
Autism Alliance of Metro West – click here
Just for Dads Support Group – click here
Healthy Families – Children’s Trust Fund – click here
Hoarding Support Group – click here
Buried in Treasures Hoarding Support – click here
Mass Housing Hoarding Resource & Support click here
Parenting Skills Workshop – click here
Mass 211 Helpline Support Groups – click here
TEMPO Framingham Young Parents Support Group – click here
Pregnancy and Parenting Support through Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children – click here
MSPCC Adoptive Families Together – click here
Learn to Cope – Substance Abuse Support – click here
GRASP – Grief Recovery after a Substance Passing (scroll down to Massachusetts meetings) – click here
Transgender Care – Providers and Support Info – click here
Out MetroWest – LGBTQ Youth Support Info – click here
Parents, Families, and Friends of LGBTQ People – click here
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Massachusetts – click here
Caregiving MetroWest Support Groups – click here
Boston Medical Center – Good Grief Program for Families & Children – click here
Children’s Hospital Boston – Bereavement Program for Parents – click here
Children’s Bereavement Support Group – click here
Jeff’s Place; Children’s Bereavement Center, Inc. – 34 Deloss St. Framingham 508-879-2800
The Children’s Room – Bereavement Support for Children, Teens, & Families – click here
Children’s Friends – Carriage House Bereavement Support – click here
Family Resource Centers – Parenting Programs & Support Groups – click here
Voices Against Violence – Support Groups & Information through SMOC – click here
IM Hear – Online instant messaging program of Samaritans Suicide Prevention for Teens – click here
School Resources for Suicide Prevention – click here
