SPED programs for your children. Know what is out there before you relocate!

As a parent of an Autisticchild, I know just how important it is to have the right kind of schooling and programs available concerning your child's well being. There are many great programs available within the school systems and outside of the school systems. Knowing what is available for your child before you relocate is a big plus and I am sure as it was for me, made the choice of my relocation area!

Get to know your location and investigate what programs are available for your child. Enclosed is some vital information if you are considering relocating to Western Ma.

Massachusetts
Federation for Children with Special Needs
1135 Tremont Street, Suite 420
Boston, MA 02120-2140
617-236-7210 (Voice and TTY)
617-572-2094 FAX
1-800-331-0688 in MA
E-mail: fcsninfo@fcsn.org
Website: http://www.fcsn.org/

BRIGHTSIDE FOR CHILDREN

Brightside also offers great counseling programs for SPED children to coincide with the school program.

Brightside for Families and Children is a prestigious and comprehensive nonprofit child welfare, mental health and family support center offering contemporary services for children, adolescents and their families. Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Providence as an orphanage, Brightside's long tradition of caring for children continues with a range of therapeutic and educational services.

Brightside Counseling Associates is a full-spectrum mental health clinic providing services for individuals, families and children. Specialized programs are available for treatment of domestic violence, ADHD, older adults, dual diagnosis and infant development/behavioral health. Treatment services include individual, family, group treatment, psychoeducational groups, medication management and psychological testing. Brightside Counseling Associates is approved by most managed care/insurance providers.

Focus on Families

The success of Brightside's treatment approach relies on our ability to form a team with the child and his/her family/guardian, support system and referring agencies. Family members, parents and guardians are actively involved in all phases of treatment, including:

• Treatment planning
• Participation and visitation
• Treatment reviews
• Learning new approaches to building an effective child/parent relationship
• Social and recreational activities (parent educational and support groups, family day picnics and activities)

Brightside Treatment Center and Campus School

The Brightside Treatment Center and Campus School provide treatment for children with psychiatric, learning, emotional and behavioral difficulties, and their families. The Treatment Center offers residential treatment services for boys and girls ages 8 - 17 in five campus-based units and two community-based programs. The Campus School is a Chapter 766 approved private school divided into elementary, middle and high school components. The school offers a pre-vocational and vocational evaluation program and the opportunity for students to participate in three different vocational curricula. Some students who transition to one of the community based residential programs may also have the opportunity to attend a public school.