Information Spotlight

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With so much information on the internet, often it's hard to know (1) where to get started and (2) what information is reliable.

This list includes the names of programs and resources that support families in MA (and a few national programs). This is a starting list. Most of the programs included are free.

As we develop this list, we'll start with featured organizations like these:

Click through to learn about a few resources that The Manville Caregiver Program recommends. This list is just a starting point. We will continue to add to this list. Please send Ellen and Kim your trusted resources.

• The Child Mind Institute offers trustworthy mental health resources for children and families experiencing mental health and learning disorders. English and Spanish.

• Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth - Parenting Solutions Library provides short video and handouts on a wide range of caregivers topics.English and Spanish.

• Common Sense Media offers age-based entertainment and technology recommendations for families. Parent Guides on technology here. See reviews of movies, tv, books and more. Search by age and content theme.

• Exceptional Lives helps families find services for children with disabilities with the Massachusetts Service Finder database. Website has customizable guides to address specific topics, such as transition to adulthood or SSI & financial benefits.

• Mental Health America

• Caregiver Resource Center from Mental Health America: information, insights, and tips on caregiving topics, from recognizing caregiver burnout to building resilience.

• Mental Health Screening tools: free, anonymous, online screening tools

• Understood.org is a national nonprofit offering free tools, tips and strategies, and other resources to support children and families of individuals who have learning and thinking differences. Through My Eyes is a resource on their website that offers others a tool to "Step into the world of kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia."

• Massachusetts Family TIES resources

• INDEX part of UMass Shriver - Statewide information about programs and services to support individuals with disabilities.

• Free Family Support (Mental Health) - funded by DMH – free family support

• PPAL - Statewide; west of 128 into Central MA.

• The Home for Little Wanderers - Boston Metro

• Wayside - Northwest

• PIN (Parent Information Network) - Southeast MA and Cape

• The Support Network - Western MA

• Free Caregiver Helpline from NAMI:

• Available Monday Through Friday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM ET

• The NAMI Family Caregiver HelpLine is a free, confidential service providing caregiver-led support, tools and strategies, trusted guidance, and connection at every stage of the caregiving journey.

• Whenever caregiving for a loved one with mental illness feels overwhelming, a simple call, text, email, or letter to the NAMI Family Caregiver HelpLine will connect you to a community of support grounded in lived experience.

• Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Press “4” to connect with a skilled Family Caregiver HelpLine Specialist

• Text Family to 62640

• Send a message to helpline@nami.org

• Free Sibling Support - see spotlight

• Free Insurance Support - Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health - FREE information and advocacy around medical insurance for autism and behavioral health treatment. For more information see spotlight

• Free Support around Education, Transition into Adulthood/Managing, Medical Care, and more - from Federation for Children with Special Needs

• May be Part of a Family’s Journey

• Adoption Journeys is the statewide program providing specialized post-adoption support to families living in Massachusetts who have children through adoption or permanent legal guardianship. Some programs have fees.

• Free Sibling Support - see spotlight

• Grandparents

• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren – info and support. Free.

• PPAL Grandparent Support Group. Free.

• LGBTQIA+ families

• Greater Boston PFLAG - for caregivers. Free. Peer/family led

• Regional AGLYs

• OUT MetroWest - programs for elementary age children and up. Free. Peer led.

Previous Spotlights

• Insurance
• Respite Care
• Behavioral Health Help Line/Community Behavioral Health Centers
• and more