Family Support Services

RIPIN helps Rhode Islanders of all ages and abilities access health care, health insurance coverage, education services and supports, care management, and more.

• Live answer call center Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. After hours calls returned within two business days
• Care coordination and service linkage for families with children with special health care needs
• Help health care and health insurance, including Healthsource RI, Medicaid, Medicare, and more, regardless of your coverage status
• Help accessing and navigating special education
• Help navigating transition to adult services for young adults with special needs
• Support groups for parents and caregivers

RIPIN uses a peer support model, meaning our team of Certified Community Health Workers are themselves parents or caregivers to a loved one with special needs. Our Peer Professionals’ lived experience helps them better understand you and your family’s needs.

• Child & Family Support link
• Prevent Child Abuse Chapter link
• Family Support for Substance Use link
• Fatherhood Initiative link
• Peer Recovery & Outreach link
• Workforce Development link
• Youth Leadership and Support group Youth Speaking Out

Workshops and Training's
Peer to Peer systems navigation support
Support Groups 

We are  a group of parents, family members, transition age youth,  and adults with behavioral health lived experience who are committed to supporting and assisting peers and working with statewide and national partners to empower children, youth, families and individuals through dynamic supports, education, and advocacy to prevent abuse and neglect, reduce disparities, and progress towards universal health, wellness, and recovery.

Services Provided:
• Technical assistance and training in the areas of Early Intervention, infant mental health and trauma-based care practices, inclusive practices in schools, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports in schools, learners with low incidence disabilities (vision, hearing, deaf-blindness) dual sensory, transition from high school, and community-based employment strategies for youth and adults.
• Services include:
o Instruction and mobility services to children who are blind or visually impaired.
o Educational Advocates for students with disabilities who are in state care.
o Benefits counseling and assistance for Social Security beneficiaries.
o Family support and navigation of services.
o Support group for self-directed support users (DDD)
o Plan writing for self-directed support users (DDD).
o Support for parents with intellectual disabilities.
o Support to students in post-secondary education.

Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities, founded at Rhode Island College in 1993, is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). UCEDDs are evidence driven and designed to advance policies, practices, and research that improve the health, education, social, and economic well-being of people with disabilities, their families, and their communities. There are 67 UCEDD programs in the United States. This national network is administered through the United States Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
The Sherlock Center partners with state and national agencies, schools, institutions of higher education and community providers to implement its core functions: preservice preparation, services (including technical assistance, community education, and direct services), research, and information dissemination. As of 2016, the Sherlock Center is a LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) Program.
Areas of Emphasis:
Early Childhood and Education
Inclusion and Community Membership
Low Incidence Disabilities
Self-Determination
Transition, Employment and Adult Life
Workforce and Professional Development

• Professional Training Program, classroom and individual consultation
• Parent Education Series and Support
• Grandparent Support Groups
• Social Skill Groups
• Respite Information
• Summer Camp WANNAGOAGAIN
• Advocacy

The Autism Project is a ‘Hub of Hope’ that connects people—with a spectrum of needs—to the available resources and education that support independent and purposeful lives.
Autism Project
1516 Atwood Avenue
Johnston, RI 02919

Services are provided by a team of qualified professionals working in partnership with the family to ensure the best possible service provision.
Services include:
Comprehensive child & family assessment
Assistive technology services & referrals
Nutrition services
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Speech/language therapy
Child & parent group

Community Care Alliance Early Intervention

Director, Darlene Magaw 401-767-4078

A comprehensive community support agency that provides over 50 programs that range from home visiting and basic needs to substance abuse treatment. The other listing contains information on additional programs beyond Early Intervention.

Mailing address:

Early Intervention Program at Community Care Alliance

PO Box 1700

Woonsocket, RI 02895

The J. Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center provides a wide range of comprehensive services for all ages including :

Community Supports and Home Based Children's Services link

• Family Support Services
• Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA)
• Home Based Therapy Services (HBTS)
• Respite
• Personal Assistance and Support Service(PASS)

Crayons Therapeutic Child Care Center and Kids Connect Program link(currently closed and not accepting new enrollments)

Adult Services link

• Employment Concepts
• Residential Services
• Adult recreation
• Shared Living
• Works for me

Additional Directory Listings of Trudeau Programs

• Early Intervention-listed on a separate Directory entry
• Pathways Strategic Teaching Center's school for children with autism

Our mission is to promote an enhanced quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. Trudeau has served as the area’s leading provider of services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are one of the few human service organizations that serves individuals at all stages of life. We currently work with over 3,000 consumers annually throughout Rhode Island and in some cities and towns in nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Momentum offers a wide range of services Link

• Applied Therapy Analysis (ABA)
• Assessments and Interventions
• Home Based Therapy Services (HBTS)
• Personal Assistance and Support Services (PASS)
• Center Based Clinical Services
• School Consultations
• Registered Behavior Technician Training 

Momentum is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their full potential. Our staff are committed to the mission and include experts in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, Special Education, and Psychology, that work together to enhance lives. Our behavioral health services provide a wide range of resources and tools to families, schools, and community programs in order to meet the unique needs of each of our clients as we build momentum towards achieving goals.

Services

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Home Based Therapeutic Services (HBTS)
• Personal Assistance and Support Services (PASS)
• Respite

Northeast Family Services offers comfort and support when your family needs assistance. Our company’s purpose is to provide our families with the absolute best service possible so that your family can succeed. You can be confident that Northeast Family Services will provide you with the excellent care that you deserve.

Family Support Programs basic needs

• Parents as Teachers Home visiting program also available virtually
• Hope Street Child Care Center link
• Before/After School Child Care link

Center for Financial Success link

• Workforce Development Program
• NRI Career Academy
• English as a second language
• Career planning

Established in 1995 with funding from the Rhode Island Foundation, Connecting for Children and Families (CCF) is a community-based, non-profit organization located in Woonsocket, one of Rhode Island’s core urban cities. Our mission, to transform the lives of Woonsocket children through high quality educational opportunities and family support, is accomplished through strong community partnerships and advocacy.

Ronald MacDonald House Services and Amenities Link

Each year nearly 300 families stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Providence and an additional 1,900 enjoy the comforts of the Family Room.

We support families with children from birth to 21 years old who are hospitalized or receive major medical treatment at nearby hospitals.

The Ronald McDonald House of Providence provides programs that directly improve the health and well-being of hospitalized children and their families. Our programs allow families to spend additional time with a sick child, help ease financial burdens, provide a sense of normalcy and keep families together during times of medical crisis. Siblings and families are welcome to also stay.

• Westerly Parent Academy
• Parents as Teachers program
  
  

Tower Street Community center is a open site for summer meals. It is open to anyone 18 years and younger and no paperwork is required.

TALC is a program for adolescents (age 13-18) who live with chronic  medical illness and their families.  We provide year-round programming focusing on support, advocacy, and healthcare transition skills.

• Monthly Council Meetings for members
• Parent Group
• Mentors age 18-22
• Leadership Opportunities TALC is also the official youth advisory council for Hasbro Children's Hospital. TALC members provide leadership to the hospital for issues related to the patient experience.  

See website for video of members explaining how the program works and why you should join TALC!

Transitioning from childhood to being a teenager, to the independence of young adulthood is challenging. Consider what it would be like to cope with typical teen angst and have to manage a chronic illness as well.
For teens with a variety of chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, lupus, cancer, sickle cell anemia, Crohn’s disease, and epilepsy, they don’t have to do it alone. The Adolescent Leadership Council (TALC) provides a forum for adolescents ages 13-18 who are managing a chronic illness to interact with peers who are going through similar experiences and to meet college-age mentors who also have a chronic illness. Through programming, TALC members gain insights and perspective along with the confidence and advocacy skills needed to navigate their medical circumstance in the short- and long-term.
TALC teens meet monthly during the academic year, participate in social and art-related events, attend an annual team-building retreat and an annual overnight summer leadership camp. TALC also serves as the official “Youth Advisory Council” for the hospital.

Contact Abby McGuire, TALC Program Coordinator  at TALCProgram@gmail.com

Partial Hospital Program link

Inpatient Hospital Program ages 12-17 link

The Medical Psychiatric Program at Hasbro Children’s Hospital addresses the needs of children and adolescents who are struggling with psychiatric and medical illness at the same time. Patients we care for may have gastrointestinal illnesses, eating disorders, diabetes, asthma, seizures, pain syndromes, somatoform disorders, and complex presentations that require diagnostic evaluations.

Ours is the only program in the region designed to provide family-based integrated care for young people with these health challenges. Inpatient and partial hospital levels of care are available. 

1. Full-service EIP: The Groden Center EIP is one of 9 full-service early intervention providers in the state of Rhode Island serving eligible children under the age of three who have been diagnosed with a developmental disability or who may have a developmental delay.

2. Specialty EI provider for children with autism and other behavioral challenges

Groden Center Early Intervention Director Carol LaFrance 401-525-2380

The mission of the Groden Center Early Intervention Program (EIP) is to provide eligible infants and toddlers and their families the supports and services needed to improve outcomes written in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). We provide these services in a caring, supportive and knowledgeable manner, respecting the dignity of each child and family enrolled in the program.

The Groden Center has an additional directory listing that has information on other programs.

A Cedar Family Center is a site that provides evolving, family centered, intensive care management and coordination in order to assist families in reaching their full potential and thrive in their own communities.

link

Our mission is to assist individuals, parents, families, and children to achieve their goals for health, education, and socio-economic well-being by providing information, training, education, support and advocacy for person/family centered care and system change.

Programs and Services Link

Basic Needs

• Food Pantry
• Senior Meal Delivery
• Good Neighbor Energy Fund
• Project Undercover
• Rental/ Mortgage Assistance
• Appliance Management Program
• Rhode Island Home Energy Assistance Program (RIHEAP)

Training and Workforce Development

• RI Works
• Parent Leadership Training Initiative (PLTI)
• Summer Youth Employment Program

CAPP is a leading provider of social services in Providence. The organization operates, promotes and supports the development of human service programs aimed at improving the lives of low-to-moderate income individuals and families living in Providence. CAPP works to minimize poverty while empowering members of the community to be self-sufficient.

The Fogarty Center’s Children’s services include Home Based Therapeutic Services (HBTS), Personal Assistance Support Services (PASS) and Respite.

Home Based Therapy Services HBTS link
Personal Assistance Services and Supports PASS link 
Respite Respite link

 Contact Melissa Linicus, Clinical Director of Children’s Services at 401-789-4614

Established in 1952, the Fogarty Center is a private, non-profit agency that provides a variety of services and supports to children and adults with intellectual, developmental and/or other disabilities.

Fogarty offers a range of adult services link including Adult Residential Opportunities, Self-Directed Support, Day Services. 

The Fogarty Center is one of the original provider agencies in Rhode Island. We continue to refine and enhance our services with a commitment to developing innovating and individualized opportunities.

We have groups for siblings ages 4-7 years old, 8-12 years old, and teens. Siblings meet together for 4-6 sessions, and each meeting lasts about 1-1/4 hours. Parents of SibLink group participants also meet to address their questions and concerns about siblings.
Families do not need to patients of Hasbro Children's or Bradley hospitals to enroll in SibLink.

SibLink groups are designed to improve healthy siblings' understanding and positive adjustment to a brother or sister's illness or disability in an atmosphere of peer support. SibLink's group program is open to the public and provides a great opportunity for healthy brothers and sisters to meet and share with other children whose families face similar circumstances.
SibLink groups are a team effort! Doctors Debra Lobato and Wendy Plante take turns coordinating the groups and meeting with parents. Since SibLink is part of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, we make it our business to train future child psychologists, psychiatrists, and pediatricians about sibling needs. SibLink loves having these talented and dedicated young professionals working with us as SibLink group leaders.

Wrap Around Services for the family

Emotional and informational support for families of children who have special needs, Parent to Parent-USA (P2P-USA) is a national nonprofit organization committed to assuring access and quality in Parent to Parent support across the country. This site highlights state's organizations that have parent to parent support as a core program and are committed to implementing evidence-based practices.

A national program dedicated to the interests of brothers and sisters of people with special health and developmental needs.

A Kindering Center program

Website serves as a central resource of information and products to the community of Parent Training Information (PTI) Centers and the Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs), so that they can focus their efforts on serving families of children with disabilities.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Center for Parent Information and Resources continues to offer services through their website 24/7.

• Planning/Coordinating/Advisory Groups

Onsite program: families may live at the National Home for up to 4 years where they will be provided with: housing, education, daycare, basic needs, recreation, and case management.

Remote program: Military and Veteran Family Helpline can be reached at 800-313-4200.

Support group for Fatty Oxidation Disorders. Raises funds for Educational and Networking Services and Programs. Medical information, including information about newborn screening, and support resources.

Mission of Graham's Foundation is to support, comfort, inform, and guide families who experience a premature birth.

Programs:

• NICU, transition home, and remembrance care package programs
• Trained preemie parent mentors available 24/7 via email, phone, and text
• MyPreemie, the market-leading app for parents of premature babies
• Online communities with tens of thousands engaged parents making new connections

Hand to Hold® helps families before, during, and after a NICU stay and infant loss by providing powerful resources for the whole family, and most importantly, one-on-one mentoring from someone who has been there.

Services:

• Peer Support
• Online Community
• Resources (hospital, online, podcast)

Online resource: A federal government web site, developed by the Educational Opportunities Directorate with support from Navy Lifelines, provides information for military families with special needs. It is designed to share information with military families on Department of Defense efforts and civilian community programs to support families with special needs within the military community.

Provides for the health care needs of the military and Veteran communities.

Services Include:

• Doctor locator
• Pharmacy locator
• TriCare service center locator for each state