Northern Regional Center for Independent Living

Family Support Services

Program Director - Kathy Connor

Family Support Services is an element of the community-based system of care for families of children with disabilities. Family Support Services at NRCIL consists of an array of formal and informal services with an emphasis on self-determination and family control. In this program, families work together to achieve a non-discriminating and embracing community for their children with disabilities.

Family Support emphasizes full parent participation in service planning and evaluation of services in the child's own home and community whenever possible. NRCIL advocates for flexibility and responsiveness from the formal service system. Family centered planning allows families to choose the services and goals which best meet their individual family needs. The components of this program combine to assist and empower families to reach these goals.

Included in supports are:

Parent & Youth Groups

Parents of children with disabilities meet other parents with similar issues
Youths with disabilities meet other youths facing similar issues
Discussion groups covering a variety of topics

Short-Term Planned Respite

Provides short breaks to assist in reducing or preventing stress for families of children with mental health disabilities
May be utilized to assist parents with activities that involve the entire family or to accompany a child to social and recreational activities

Family Advocacy

Advocates meet individually with parents
Assists parents in obtaining resources on child's disability and treatment options
Support parents through the special education process

Family Support Systems

Provides support for families whose children may be diagnosed with or suspected of having a disability

Family Support Program Model

Decisions are based on family preference, choice, and values
Families are the primary resource and decision makers
Families have accessibility to a flexible, affordable, individualized array of supports

Youth Advocacy, Leadership, and Empowerment

Assists youth with disabilities to set and achieve educational and vocational goals
Offers trainings on youth involvement in community services
Supports youths at school or agency meetings