On October 15, 2017 we had the pleasure of having three Medical Social Workers from the Department of Children and Families(DCF) speak about their services. They explained that they are each stationed at an area office. They are there to assist the ongoing social workers when there is a child removed from a families care. They assist in setting up a 14 day medical screen and 30 day medical screen. When children are removed from their home, it is sometimes a difficult and chaotic process. So when you add a child with medical complexities, many things can be missed. For example: medications the child takes, upcoming appointments, medical diagnosis, equipment, and what type of medical care the child requires. These are all things that the DCF medical social workers can help the family manage. Here are the names of the medical social workers and what area office they are connected with:
Cristin White- Department of Children and Families, High Street Springfield Office
Kristin Whittle- Department of Children and Families, Van Wart Area Office
Nivia Colon-Berrios- Department of Children and Families, Holyoke Area Office
They are wonderful to work with and can always lend a hand!
On November 14, 2017 we had Paula Euber, the Area Director for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission join us, as well as, Cheryl Cruz a supervisor at the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Mass Rehab has many different services to offer for both children, adults, and transitioning youth. They supplied the group with hand-outs, but due to the sizes of them I am unable to attach here. However, they shared that the best way to get services through Mass Rehab is to just call them and make a referral. They will guide the family through the process. If Mass Rehab is not a good fit, they help connect the client to services that will benefit them! Paula Euber can be reached at (413)736-7296 ext 111. The following website also has great information: https://www.mass.gov/vocational-rehabilitation
We also had Morganne McCarthy from the Weldon Rehabilitation Center join the group. They explained the referral and insurance process for pediatrics OT, PT, and speech. They currently have no wait list for PT but longer wait lists for OT and speech. The Weldon staff explained they really work closely with patients and insurance companies to ensure they have the time to work with children on their set goals and make sure they reach their ultimate potential. Their website also offers further information: http://www.mercycares.com/weldon
As December 2017 approaches us, we want to thank everyone again for their hard work and dedication to the wonderful work that you do. During the November meeting, we discussed that the 4C program will be ending at the end of December. We are so grateful for all the support this community of families and providers have given us. We truly are all part of something amazing, that hopefully has just begun! That being said, we are currently working on handing over responsibilities of this meeting to a new team of people. Thank you all who have volunteered to help! We look forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting, December 12, 2017 at 9:15am at Shriners.
Medical Home for Special Needs Children in Western Massachusetts (SNCWMA) 