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LOCAL FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS FIND STRENGTH IN ARC BROWARD’S FREE FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM
Broward County families raising a child with intellectual or developmental disabilities may be eligible for free, in-home parenting support through Arc Broward’s Family Support Program, one of the only programs of its kind specifically tailored to meet the needs of families impacted by disabilities.
Designed to enhance the parenting journey and support the well-being of the entire family, the Family Support Program, funded in part by the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, serves families with children up to age 14 who have special needs.
“Families of children with special needs may face an extra measure of uncertainty, isolation and confusion, and we want these families to know that the Arc Broward Family Support Program offers high-quality, personalized support at no cost to help them navigate the challenges of parenting a child with special needs,” said Shawn Preston, Vice President of Children and Family Services. “Through in-home visits, parenting workshops and group sessions where families can connect with other parents, the Family Support Program empowers families while providing a welcoming community and a strong support network.”
Most families participate for three years, receiving twice-monthly in-home visits; case management that includes collaboration with community resources, crisis management, support, advocacy and attending meetings with or on behalf of the child or family; group meetings that enable parents to gain insight and share experiences, concerns and successes; and community-based cultural, educational and recreational family-building activities designed to foster positive parent-child interactions. Families are connected to community resources, including medical care, childcare, social skills groups, housing assistance, clothing, furniture, food and school supplies.
By helping parents gain a better understanding of age-appropriate developmental expectations, practice positive behavior management and access community supports, the Family Support Program improves family functioning, leading to a greater sense of self-worth and empowerment.
“Arc Broward has more than 65 years of experience serving people with disabilities, giving us a deep understanding of their needs and how best to serve them,” said Tonya Ricker, Director of Children’s Services. “Ultimately, through our program, children and parents learn how to advocate for their child, access the services and support they need and have fun as a family.”
The program’s success is evident, with 86% of families experiencing improved functioning and lowered stress in the year following completion of the program. After completing the program, families can remain connected through alumni activities to remain successful as they enter new stages of life.
To help make the holidays brighter for families in the program, Arc Broward’s Family Support Program is collecting new, unwrapped toys for children with disabilities from birth to 13 years as well as gifts for their parents and caregivers. Gifts may be dropped off now through December 12 at the Arc Broward Preschool, 10250 NW 53rd Street, Sunrise.
Founded in 1956, Arc Broward is one of the largest local providers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities from birth through senior citizenship, offering 21 programs, including parent trainings, a preschool, summer camp and afterschool programs, post-secondary education and vocational training, workforce development and more. For over 30 years, Arc Broward has maintained accreditation from CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to excellence and continuous innovation.
For more information, visit arcbroward.com/family-support-programs/, or call 954-746-9400.
