Support for Parents

August brings the end of the summer and travel season, and ushers in another school year. For parents of school age kids this can be an exciting time seeing your little one head out of the house for the first time to join their “big boy” or “big girl” class. 

For parents of school age kids with behavioral health issues, this can be an especially trying time. Adjusting back to the rigors of a regular school schedule can be challenging for a child who thrives on structure. Changes in schedules and activities can wreak havoc on their sense of stability.

Fortunately for us here in Philadelphia, the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) offers many programs catered to kids of all ages. 

Birth to Toddler Support

For the littlest ones, DBHIDS offers early intervention from birth to 3 year olds. These services are provided for children at risk of having a developmental delay. If your child is eligible for these services, they will be assigned a Service Coordinator who assigns all Early Intervention Services at no cost to the child’s family.

K – 12 Support

For students in elementary through high school, DBHIDS offers Student Assistance Program (SAP) Services. Through the SAP program, a behavioral health assessment is completed with the student, after notifying the parent and obtaining consent. The SAP Assessor then uses the results of this behavioral health assessment to connect the student and parent to appropriate services that meet their unique needs. 

Acting aggressively, hitting, unexplained bouts of sadness, frequently changing friends are just some of the areas that the SAP Assessor looks at when deciding the next path forward for the student. As a parent, you should never feel alone when it comes to providing the highest quality of care and support for your child. These services are readily available to you at any time.

Summer Camp Support

For those hot summer months, DBHIDS also offers grants up to $400 for eligible students to attend summer camp. This financial support is a great way to ensure your child with behavioral health challenges continues to receive quality care even when school is out. 

Go Together

Ask any parent, and they’ll tell you how tough it is. When faced with a child with behavioral challenges, it’s even tougher. With the help and support of DBHIDS, you don’t have to go it alone in getting the support that you and your family need to meet the unique needs of your child. 

With the numerous services catered towards children in the Philadelphia area, instead of going it alone, you can go together.