Overview

When families find the courage to open up and ask for help, we are there.

We are at your side.

FamilyMatters is the first expansion office of JAFCO (Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options), a non-profit organization established in 1992 in South Florida. In April 2014 FamilyMatters began its intensive family strengthening program serving the children and families of Greater Philadelphia. In addition to family strengthening support services, the office also offers supervised visitation, support groups for siblings of children with developmental disabilities, a parent and relative caregiver program, and child enrichment programs.

FamilyMatters immediately serves anyone who reaches out for help 24/7 and provides support, at no cost, for as long as necessary. We proudly serve all families without regard to race, color, national origin, or religion.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does FamilyMatters do?

• Strengthen and empower families to address and overcome challenges that are impacting the family’s level of functioning

• Provide highly individualized and intensive support to families who are experiencing overwhelming challenges

• Guide and Support families through difficult transitions such as divorce, death, illness, or incarceration

• Improve access to services by helping families navigate systems, linking them to needed resources and advocating for their needs

• Coordinate the family’s care by collaborating with all involved providers

• Offer 24-hour availability and support to families in times of crisis

Where are the services provided?

Currently serving the Greater Philadelphia community (Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, and Delaware Counties).

What services does FamilyMatters provide?

We serve families facing:

• Raising children with special needs including autism and other developmental disabilities

• A parent or child has a mental health diagnosis

• A parent or family member is struggling with addiction

• Complicated divorce or custody matters

• At-risk or current involvement with Child Protective Services

• Grandparents or relatives who are caring for a child on a permanent or temporary basis

• Single parenting

• Any important family matter impacting the safety of your family.

In-home services to address Family Functioning/Behavior Matters:
• Create individualized family plans to improve overall level of functioning

• Teach parenting skills and discipline techniques

• Create safety plans to decrease risk factors

• Facilitate family meetings

• Assist with home organization

• Link to therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist or any other needed services

Improving access to services/Navigating the system:
• Assist with making appointments

• Accompany families to appointments

• Assist with paperwork and applications

• Advocate for discounted services

• Coordinate and collaborate with other providers to ensure continuity of care

School Matters:
• Advocate for the child’s needs in school

• Accompany parents to IEP meeting

• Help parents navigate the school system

• Link to educational advocates

• Transition planning

• Assistance with school placement

Financial Matters:
• Apply for grants for services

• Secure scholarships for camp or other services

• Job support/resume building

• School and supplies/clothing assistance

Legal Matters (Custody, Family Court, Guardianship):
• Link to lawyers

• Advocate in court

• Accompany to court hearings

Who does FamilyMatters serve?

Families who have a child under the age of 18 living in the home. The parent/relative caregiver must be the legal guardian of that child in order to consent to services. FamilyMatters proudly serves all children and families regardless of race, religion, or nation of origin.

We serve families dealing with one or more of the following challenges:

• Families raising children with special needs including autism and other developmental disabilities

• Families in which a parent or child has a mental health diagnosis

• Families in which a parent or family member is struggling with addiction

• Families dealing with complicated divorce or custody issues

• Families who are at-risk or currently involved with Child Protective Service

• Grandparents or relatives who are caring for a child on a permanent or temporary basis

• Single parenting