Youth & Families
Youth & Families
Support for Youth
- Birthday Project – apply for free birthday items for children age 1-12 (must be requested 30 days before birthday)
- Free and Reduced School Lunch Application
Support for Young Adults
- Wayside TEMPO – a one-stop resource center for 17-24 year olds’ transition to adulthood, focusing on achievement, employment, schooling, healthy relationships, and practical skills
- Free Prom Dresses and Accessories for Those in Need
- Transition to Adulthood Program (TAP) for Students with Disabilities – for young adults (14-22) with disabilities transitioning out of high school, focusing on social skills, self-advocacy, independent living skills, employment, assistive technology, IEP and ITP assistance, disability rights education, and preparing for college
- Department of Mental Health Young Adult Resource Guide – list of mental health resources for young adults
Support for Families and Parents
- First Connections – resources for families with children 0-8, including playgroups, new parent groups, postpartum depression support, parent education, quarterly newsletter, free/low cost family program information, local childcare information, resources, and referrals
- Parenting a Child Who Has Experienced Trauma Factsheet
- Social Emotional Resources for Parents from Sudbury Public Schools – list of school mental health staff, social-emotional curriculum, emotional health education, parenting resources, and emergency psychiatric evaluation
- Grow a Strong Family – support for families managing a mental illness or disorders
- Parents and Caregiver Support – hotline, resources, and support groups
- Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren – lists of resources for grandparents raising grandchildren, including legal, financial, tips sheets, support services, links, news, support groups
Resources for Fathers
- Children’s Rights Council (CRC) – Resources and services on shared parenting (custody and access); prevention of abuse and neglect of children; laws and legislative initiatives; court processes and alternative dispute resolutions; parenting tools and education; and many other issues.
- National Parents Organization 617-431-8019 Protecting every child’s right to the love & care of both parents after separation or divorce through research, public awareness and family court reform.
- Dads Divorce – Dedicated to educating fathers on the issues of divorce, child custody, and child support. The website provides great tools, like a child support calculator or list of state divorce laws
- The Fathers Rights Movement 866-366-8376 A collective of passionate members who empower fathers to stand up for their rights and educate the public and family court system about the importance of fathers in society.
- Fathers Help Network A non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Fathers rights and helping Fathers through difficult child custody issues, including forums, legal support, therapy, and other services.
- Fathers for Equal Rights 214-953-2233 A national resource for fathers in support of equal rights. There are office services, online courses, and additional benefits for members. Fathers can learn how to establish paternity, determine visitation rights, and represent themselves in court.
- Fatherhood 877-432-3411 A government sponsored program providing mental health resources for fathers.
Resources for Children with Special Needs
- Federation for Children with Special Needs – individual assistance, training, and leadership development and support from birth to adulthood for families with children with disabilities
- Family TIES – resources and peer support for parents with children with special needs, including Early Intervention programs and referrals
- Special Needs Children and Teens – list of events around children and teens with special needs, including camps, recreational events, financial and legal help, assistive technology, and more
Other Resources
- Child Requiring Assistance (CRA) – information about cases in which parents, guardians, or school officials ask the court to help supervise a child
- Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF) – financial relief for those caring for youth under 22 with large medical and related expenses
- MSPCC Kids Net – resources for foster, preadoptive, and kinship caregiving