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The Howard Center for Human Services First Call for Children and Families |
To contact
First Call |
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The Howard Center for Human Services First Call for Children and Families |
To contact
First Call |
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First Call for Children and Families provides a phone or face-to-face response to children and families in crisis, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The definition of crisis is determined by the caller. First Call links families with other needed resources within the Baird Center and the larger community. They can directly arrange crisis respite services. Where appropriate, First Call will screen children for hospital diversion services or psychiatric hospitalization. Parents, teenagers, teachers, police or anyone concerned about a child or family in crisis may call First Call. First Call also provides information, referrals, education, and support on children’s mental health issues.
Sometimes, you just need to talk to someone. We are here to listen and help. Who will I talk to when I call? A Children’s Mental Health Professional is available to talk or visit. In the event a staff member is not immediately available, one will be paged through our answering service. First Call also provides support for proper mental health care. How challenging are your problems? We assist in determining a suitable level and course of care. Will someone come to my home (school, etc)? First Call staff, in conjunction with parents and children, will determine the best course of action. This may be a face-to-face assessment in your home, at school, the local police station, Fletcher Allen Health Care’s Emergency Department, or perhaps another location. However, a face-to-face assessment might not always be warranted. You and the First Call staff will make this decision at the time of the call. First Call can teach you new techniques for dealing with recurring problems. What might First Call Staff ask me to do?
First Call can provide the answers to your questions and find appropriate care. First Call has direct links to many helpful services and programs in the area. We help guide you through difficult experiences. What kind of information will be most helpful?
Give specifics about the situation If someone is acting in a dangerous manner, let us know immediately Request an on-site assessment if needed. If things are spiraling out of control, First Call can help settle the situation and get you back on track. If you are a caregiver and NEED a break, we can help. First Call for Children and Families |
