The staff of IFFCMH are family members of children with special needs and we have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the challenges of both daily life and critical occasions.  We work with schools, child-serving providers, government agencies, law enforcement and community mental health providers among others.  Here are some examples of how we work with your family to get the help you need.

Schools

IFFCMH will help your family to get the best available services for your child.  We have over 20 years experience working with schools so we are familiar with the law and have working relationships with teachers and administrators.  

We help parents to understand the law as it relates to students with mental health challenges such as Indiana's Article 7 and the federal IDEA Act.

When you call us, we will take the time to understand your individual needs and help you to make informed decisions about an action plan for your child.  We will provide personal advocacy such as helping to write a suggested IEP plan, attending meetings with teachers and administrators, and resolution of problems when necessary such as due process rights or mediation.

Child-Serving Providers

Mental health centers are the primary community providers for care of children with mental health needs.  We are familiar with agencies throughout the state and the services they provide.  We will help direct you to the most appropriate provider near you. 

IFFCMH also serves as a liaison between schools and care providers so that services mesh to give each child the help he needs.  We will provide information so you will understand what you can expect from these agencies, what questions you should ask to make sure that services are appropriate and what to do if your needs are not being met.

Sometimes children with mental health needs go into crisis and may need services from a hospital emergency room.  We can help families through the process of seeking a psychological evaluation or other immediate services.

Government Agencies

As the parent of a child with mental health needs, you need to be familiar with the services and supports available from governmental agencies.  IFFCMH has worked with parents for more than 20 years and are familiar with your rights and responsibilities under the law.

You may be eligible for benefits under Social Security or Medicaid and we have advocates who have experience in helping to determine what programs you may want to apply for.  Indiana has several waiver programs in place to help families keep their children at home instead of institutionalization. 

As your child approaches the age of majority, you may seek guardianship so that you can continue to act on his or her behalf.  We can help you to understand the guardianship process and who to contact to begin.

Sometimes families of children with mental health needs are referred to child protective services.  We have worked with many families in those circumstances and we can help you to understand and work with the system so that you are not overwhelmed.

Law Enforcement and Courts

IFFCMH are not lawyers and while we cannot offer legal representation, we are familiar with juvenile law and can assist families in several ways. 

Families can request our presence at court hearings where we can provide personal emotional support.  We are also available to families or court personnel to provide testimony of our personal knowledge of the individual.

One of our most important services is to be available to families in times of crisis.  If your child has an encounter with law enforcement, we are a phone call away.  We can help guide your interaction with first responders to achieve the best outcomes.  We can also speak directly with officers to help them understand the essentials of working with children with mental health challenges.