Family

HSAO offers monthly parent support meetings where parents and guardians share their challenges and accomplishments. Occasionally, educational programs are scheduled that can help when raising children with special needs. The parent support meetings are typically held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A light breakfast is served. Evening support meetings are typically held on the fourth Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM when there is not a family event. A light dinner is served. For all parent meetings, financial assistance for transportation and childcare is available upon request.

HSAO's quarterly newsletter, The Bridge, is sent to all HSAO families. This newsletter contains information about family and teen activities. Relevant community events and workshops are included. The Bridge contains helpful and interesting articles written by family members, staff and professionals in the community.

HSAO has a parent on staff in a fulltime Family Support Partner position. The frustration of parenting a child with a behavioral or developmental health disorder can be overwhelming. Family concerns, health and mental health worries, obtaining appropriate services, and the constant pressure to make the right decision for children can be very stressful. Our Family Support Partner has personal experience raising a child with mental health disorders and autism. The impact of a child's behaviors on everyone in the family is understood, as well as the challenges of searching for appropriate treatment in a variety of settings.  

For additional information, please contact your Service Coordinator at HSAO or our Family Support Partner at 412-942-0790.