FAMILY EDUCATION & SUPPORT PROGRAM (FESP)

The mission of the Family Education and Support Program (FESP) is to prevent child abuse and neglect through the teaching of child development and parenting skills. The program's intensive, multidisciplinary approach counteracts stressors which can lead to child maltreatment.  

FESP serves families with preschool children (18 months to 5 years). Transportation is provided for families residing in the New Haven area. Families living elsewhere are eligible if they can provide their own transportation. Referrals to the program are made by the Department of Children and Families, medical and mental health professionals, educators, clergy, as well as others.  Sources of funding for this program are the Connecticut Department of Children and Families and contributions. There is no fee for participating families.

FESP provides:

• Therapeutic children's program: developmental assessments, individualized educational plans, high staff:child ratio, hot meals, and information/referral for additional community services.

• Psychoeducational parent program: family assessment, individualized goal setting, parent group, educational presentations, monthly newsletter, parent/teacher conferences, information/referral for additional community services.

• Parent/child interactions: parents join their children for hands-on, skill-building sessions designed to improve their relationship with their children.

• Community support: individual support is provided through ongoing home visits by the team, as well as when needed for crisis intervention.

Staff:
Robin Moore-Evans
Cynthia Ortiz-Scarantino
John Filip
Frances Kelly

Foster Grandmother:
Louise Smith Clark