The Family After School Program is an intensive therapeutic after school program designed for seriously emotionally disturbed children, ages six to 12. Participating youth are referred by the Department of Social Services (DSS), Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Mental Health Services Program for Youth (MHSPY) from the Cambridge and Somerville communities. The primary goal of the Family After School Program is to prevent hospitalization and out-of-home placement for youth who require therapeutic services and who cannot be maintained in regular after school settings.
Watch a short video presentation about the Family After School Program:
Through therapeutic group work, the program focuses on strengthening children’s social skills, decision-making abilities and emotional functioning. The Family After School Program's underlying philosophy is that, when viable, a child cannot be treated apart from his or her family, nor can the family be treated apart from the larger community. Parents are active participants in their child’s treatment at the Family After School Program and become empowered as they learn new skills that assist them in developing and enhancing their parenting and advocacy skills.
ServicesOffered
Individual Stabilization
Traditional Psycho-Social groups
Expressive Therapy Modalities
Treatment Planning
Case Management
Behavior Management
Family Treatment
Family Advocacy
Languages Spoken Services are provided in the following languages:
English
Spanish
Eligibility Criteria Clients in the Family After School Program are residents of Cambridge and Somerville, live at home or in a long term guardianship placement and attend school in their communities. Clients must be referred by DSS, DMH or MHSPY.
Client Fees No fees are paid by families in this program.
Referrals Referrals can be made by phone by any of the following sources:
Cambridge Department of Social Services
Metro Boston Department of Mental Health
Mental Health Services Program for Youth
To make a referral or for more information, please contact:
Maribeth Arena, LICSW Program Director Main Office 5 Sacramento Street Cambridge, MA 02138 Tel: 617.354.0022 Fax: 617.547.4356 Email: marena@gcinc.org
This program is located at 1680A Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, which is within two blocks of The Guidance Center’s Main Office.
PLEASE NOTE: Do not include any client information when communicating via email. Email is for general inquiries only.
