Family Center Nassau
Family Support Services & Respite
Family Center Nassau: Family Support Services
Let’s work on this together.
Caring for a child with special needs can be difficult and even overwhelming. We are here to help reduce the stress and pressure of parenting.
Our Program
We help families who have children ages 5 – 21 who have or are at risk of a Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) diagnosis (DSM-V diagnosis, excluding Primary of Developmental Disabilities). Our services are for those who reside in Nassau County.
Family Support services enhance the capacity of families to care for their children who have or are at risk of developing a mental health diagnosis. Services are provided by Family Peer Advocates (FPA) who are uniquely qualified based on their personal parenting experience raising a child with behavioral and/or emotional difficulties. They have first-hand knowledge of services and can connect families with similar experiences for increased support and social networking.
FPA’s assist with resources, engagement, advocacy, empowerment, community connections, natural supports, parent skill development and promote effective family-driven practice. We believe our services may reduce the need for long-term psychiatric hospitalization.
Services include, but not limited to:
- Evidence-based parenting courses
- Family engagement events
- Family advisory committee
- Family Support groups in which families exchange information about resources, supports, and coping mechanisms.
- Individualized support and advocacy
- Skills development/training
Services available in Spanish and English.
Check Out Our June Calendar of Events and Workshops Here!
Referral Form for Family Center Nassau Family Support Services!
Eligibility
- Age: The child must be at least 5 but not older than 21.
- Illness: “Serious Emotional Disturbance” is defined by a DSM IV diagnosis (excluding substance disorders, organic brain syndromes, developmental disabilities, and social V code conditions.) and has experienced functional limitations due to emotional disturbance over the past 12 months
- Capability: The child must be capable of being cared for in the community if provided appropriate services.
- Voluntary Participation: The child has a viable and consistent living environment with parents/guardians and both child and family are willing to participate in services.
Family Center Nassau: Respite
Have a child with a mental health diagnosis (SED)? Let us support you.
Respite services help families who reside in Nassau County who have children ages 5 – 21 who have a mental health (SED) diagnosis. These services provide a planned break for the primary caregivers to enhance their ability to support the child's behavioral health needs. The service is provided to the child by individuals trained to support the child's needs.
Apply here for Family Center Nassau Respite Services!
Hours
9am-5pm, Monday through Friday
*Additional hours available as needed.
Location
Family Center Nassau
377 Oak Street, 5th Floor
Garden City, NY 11530
Contact
Call (516) 485-5976
Fax (516) 706-8307
CMHWintake@fcali.org
FCA's Family Center is funded by the New York State Office of Mental Health and the Nassau County Department of Mental Health.