Programs
Bayou Land Families Helping Families, Inc. is a network of families in the Bayou Region area who, because of their own experiences, became committed to reaching out to other families who have sons, daughters or grandchildren with disabilities or special needs.
Bayou Land Families Helping Families provides the following services:
Information and Referral
A system of resources has been developed to provide up-to-date, detailed information on disabilities, educational issues, and general topics of interest to families who have children with disabilities or special needs, adults with disabilities or special needs and professionals working in the disability field. Referrals are made to other agencies that may be able to assist the individual. Also available to families is a Lending Library on disabilities, advocacy, education issues, resources and topics of interest. The Lending Library has many books and videotapes available for check out.
Parent To Parent Support
We offer formal training and informal presentations. We offer support by phone or in person to individuals who need to talk to another parent who "has been there". Experienced parents are linked with new parents to provide emotional support and information about specific disabilities. Parent Liaisons provide information, referrals, education, training and one to one support to families enrolled in Children's Special Health Services.
This program is unique because each Parent Liaison is a parent of a child who has a disability or special need and is able to understand the challenges faced by each family as they negotiate through the medical service provider system in order to receive needed medical services.
Education and Training
We provide workshops, conferences and trainings regarding topics that may be of interest to families who have children with disabilities or special needs, adults with disabilities or special needs and for the professionals that work in the disability field. Presentations are available to any group who may be interested about Bayou Land Families Helping Families services and other resources within the community.
Community Outreach Specialists
Here to provide families of children who are receiving EarlySteps services with the information, training, and support they need to be an active participant in the delivery of EarlySteps services to their child. We also assist them in accessing community resources for their family. Additionally, we market and publicize the EarlySteps program to potential and established referral sources, potential participants, and the community at large.
Early Childhood Supports and Services (ECSS)
The Early Childhood Supports and Services Process (ECSS) is a group of parents, advocates, public and private agencies and interested community members who provide services to young children at risk and their families. This group meets at least monthly to discuss individual cases of children and their families who have been referred for service coordination. Parents of children ages 0-5 who can answer "yes" to any of the following questions should inquire about participating in the ECSS program:
- Are you worried about the effects of arguing on your young child?
- Are family needs getting in the way of you working, returning to school, or achieving your life goals?
- Are you worrried about other family members because of a serious problem that has not been corrected?
- Do you have problems getting help for your child or your family?
- Does your young child (age 0-5) and family need assistance due toa developmental delay, diagnosed medical condition, family history of mental illness or substance abuse?
If you want to have your young child and family assessed for the ECSS program, call the ECSS Facilitator at Bayou Land Families Helping Families at (985) 447-4461 or 1-800-331-5570.
Inclusive Education
Inclusive Education is the education of all students in regular education and community settings to ensure full and valued membership in society.
We believe all students should be provided the same opportunities to be educated in neighborhood schools as their sisters, brothers, friends and neighbors.
We believe with or without disabilities, all students need and should be provided with the support to learn together effectively, using family, school and community.
We believe all students need and should be provided educations which meet their individual needs, result in meaningful outcomes, and prepare them for productive and satisfying lives.
Louisiana Citizens for Action Now (LaCAN)
LaCAN is a statewide grassroots network of individuals and families who have worked together since 1988 advocating for a service system that supports individuals with disabilities to live in their own homes, rather than having to move to a facility to receive needed services. Specifically, they have advocated for implementation of Louisiana's Community and Family Support System Plan. Regional LaCAN teams include parents, individuals with disabilities, and advocates for individualized supports.
Newsletter
Bayou Land Families Helping Families, Inc. publishes a quarterly newsletter to provide the most current information, education and list of upcoming workshops and events. Our newsletter is available thru this website or by calling our office and asking to be placed on our mail list.
Families Helping Families supporters include: Louisiana Developmental Disability Council (LA DDC), Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, Louisiana State Department of Education, Office of Mental Health, Children's Special Health Services, and Office of Community Services
Parent Stipend
This program provides funding for parents and/or individuals with disabilities to attend workshops, conferences, and trainings. Expenses for childcare, mileage, hotel, and registrations are included.