Family Support & Advocacy
Director: Lydia Edelhaus, M.A., Ph.D.
Working from a consistently strength-based orientation, programs provide advocacy,
skill-building, education, empowerment, support, and opportunities for social interaction.
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Adult Advocacy
Families are made aware of the rights of adult persons experiencing mental illness with respect to medical and social services systems. The program makes referrals to resources available in the community.
For more information, please contact:
Phone: 845-473-2500 x1316
Fax: 845-473-4870
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CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocates
Children in or at risk of placement in foster care due to abuse or neglect are appointed a trained citizen-volunteer advocate who acts as a factfinder for the judge in their case. The volunteer advocates for the children’s rights and acts in their best interest.
For more information, please contact:
Phone: 845-473-2500 x1323 or 1360
Fax: 845-473-4870
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EMERGE: Parents With Psychiatric Disabilities
Through a research-based parenting curriculum, parents with mental illness are helped to establish and work toward parenting goals that will improve the quality of life for their families.
For more information, please contact:
Phone: 845-473-2500 x1321
Fax: 845-473-4870
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Family Support
Parents of children with special mental health needs are offered assistance and advocacy in their interactions with community service systems. They are helped to achieve self-directed goals and offered opportunities to reduce family isolation.
HOPE for Families provides peer-led parent support groups throughout the county.
The Sibling Support Program provides opportunities for young people to understand their sibling’s mental illness better.
For further information, please contact:
Phone: 845-473-2500 x1343
Fax: 845-473-4870
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Respite Programs
Respite provides opportunities for parents of children with special mental health needs to take some time for themselves away from the responsibilities of parenting. Both individual and group respite activities available.
Teen Challenge Clubhouse for teens aged 14-19, provides instruction in life skills and opportunities for community service.
For further information, please contact:
Phone: 845-473-2500 x1324
Fax: 845-473-4870
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Youth Intervention
Parents and guardians seeking appropriate educational services for their children with special needs are provided with a trained advocate who works with the family and the school to obtain the best educational plan for the child, in accordance with special education law.
Funded by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services through the Dutchess County Youth Bureau.
For more information, please contact:
Phone: 845-473-2500 x1310
Fax: 845-473-4870