Education and Advocacy

Education and Advocacy alleviates barriers to care.

In 2002, we began the Education and Advocacy Program.  This program provides expanded services for clients by including additional time in the evaluation process for clinicians to

    • provide information and education sessions with youth and families that will help them understand the need for treatment and how to obtain it,
    • develop linkages with community service providers to help youth and families obtain treatment, and
    • provide follow-up for youth and families to help ensure that they connect with recommended services.

The goal of the Education and Advocacy program is to strengthen the resiliency of children and families, helping to make sure they have the tools they need to manage every day difficulties.  Clinicians leverage public and private resources to find services for vulnerable youth within their communities.  Individually tailored responses, which take into account the urgent and comprehensive needs of the child and family, are what lead to success. 



 The Education and Advocacy Process

Clinicians provide a variety of services throughout the Education and Advocacy period, among which include:

      • Educating youth and families about issues identified in the evaluation process, such as learning needs, mental illness, or substance abuse;
      • Advocating for the clients and linking them with community services, such as medical care, mental health treatment, or in-home support for the family; and
      • Following up with clients and providers to help ensure that clients are actually getting the recommended services.






Photo courtesy of studiostoer on Flickr.com. 
Administrative Office

189 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, MA 02141
p: 617-494-0135
f: 617-494-0136
e: acs@acskids.org    

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