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.
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