Child & Family Support
You’re not alone in this journey.
We’ve been there, raising kids and youth with emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges, DCYF involvement, or navigating the ups and downs of recovery as a parent. It can be overwhelming and confusing to figure out the services and support your child and family need.
Our Family Support Partners are here to lend a hand.
But don’t worry, our services are completely free!
Statewide helpline 401-467-6855
Run by parents and family members who have direct experience and understand your needs firsthand. We have knowledge and experience with early childhood, schools and special education, behavioral health centers, child welfare, and the juvenile justice system. We are here to provide emotional support and help you navigate and access the services and support you need.
Parents can do a self referral. Agencies can make referrals with consent. Our services are free of charge to Rhode Island families.
Referral Form
Release Form
Formulario de Consentimiento (Spanish Release Form)
Get Family Peer Support
Family Support Partners with lived experience are ready to provide one-on-one non-clinical peer-based support by attending care planning and school-based meetings with parents around their children's mental health and other child and family service needs. We work with parents who are overcoming their struggles with their mental health or substance use challenges.
Circle of Parents Groups
All meetings are free, parent-led, and guided by trained group facilitators to help strengthen families and understand the value of essential communication and responsibility. In collaboration with Child & Family. Check current group schedule here.
Parenting Education
We offer evidence-based Nurturing Parenting classes with parents and family caregivers looking to strengthen their skills in caring for their children and adolescents. No judgment, just compassion.
Fatherhood Support
We offer various support and services to fathers. From individual support to a weekly support group. Learn more
Family Support for Substance Use
For parents who are impacted by opioid addiction, mental health, and/or substance use challenges. Speak to someone who understands firsthand what it is like to overcome these challenges and work towards recovery and wellness while taking care of our children too. We have experience with DCYF child welfare involvement, incarceration, and homelessness, and we can help. Learn more
Father's Group
RI Children's Behavioral Health System of Care Family Engagement Workgroup
Join us third Thursdays monthly in Warwick.
Do you have direct lived experience with meeting the mental health needs for your child and family? Are you a family support peer provider in the mental health workforce?
Work with other family leaders, state and community partners to promote policy and practice change to better meet the mental health of children, youth and families and reduce disparities.
Official members will receive $35 gift cards for their attendance at meeting in person or online. Childcare and transportation can be coordinated.
Children's Support Group for 8-12 year olds
Third Thursdays Monthly. Registration is required.
A Safe Space for Kids to Share and Grow.
Group Purpose:
Our support group provides a safe and nurturing environment for children to share their feelings, experiences, and concerns. Our goal is to help kids develop coping strategies, build self-esteem, and foster positive relationships with peers.
Group Details:
Led and facilitated by non-clinical Youth Leader.
Fun and interactive activities, games, and discussions.
Opportunities to make new friends and connections
Parent Support Group
Join us for a parent support group to connect with others who share similar experiences. All parents or caregivers of any age child or youth are welcome to attend. No sign-ups needed, just come and meet others who get it.
For questions, please call Brenda Alejo at 401-477-0016 or email b.alejo@psnri.org. Childcare needs can be discussed. We look forward to seeing you!
This is a free Circle of Parents group in collaboration with Child & Family.
Father's Group
