PAL has a blog!

Executive Director Lisa Lambert of PAL has begun blogging about the latest news and issues regarding children’s mental health in Massachusetts. We welcome you to read it and leave a comment!

To read the blog, click here.

PAL is the Statewide Organization of the Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health.

PAL is an organization of more than 4,000 Massachusetts families and professionals who advocate on behalf of children with emotional, behavioral and mental health needs and their families. PAL advocates for supports, treatments and policies that enable families to live in their communities in an environment of stability and respect.

PAL provides support, training and technical assistance to a large network of PAL family support specialists. They, in turn, provide support, information and advocacy resources to thousands of families across Massachusetts. As the state organization of the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, PAL is positioned to use its resources to support families so that they can then draw from their experiences to impact others locally, regionally and across the state.

At PAL, our four-pronged approach of support, information and referral, training and advocacy increases the ability of many families

• to access treatments, services and supports for their children and themselves
• to exchange information on services, education, legal and policy issues and
• to advocate for their children both on an individual basis and in public forums.

We celebrate the strengths of our families and provide the "connectedness" that is often lacking between families experiencing similar situations.

Emotional, behavioral and mental health needs cut across all income, education, racial, ethnic and religious groups. They are found among single parent and two-parent families and in birth, adoptive and foster homes.

Families may face many challenges. The absence of appropriate care and treatment may prevent many from participating in a range of activities, resulting in isolation from friends and relatives. Often they must learn to cope with the difficult and demanding behaviors of their children and may face staggering costs for special treatment, education or other services.

Families also have many strengths. Numerous families have learned to manage their circumstances very well and have a repertoire of support networks and strategies they can share with others. They also have a unique view of the strengths and weaknesses of the service system.

A wide range of therapeutic, educational and support services are essential to address the needs of these children and their families. Many children and adolescents receive services from their schools, through their insurance and from mental health professionals. Others may obtain services from state agencies including the Department of Social Services, the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Youth Services and the Department of Public Health. A significant number may receive services through the juvenile courts.

Mental health needs can be identified and treated. As children and adolescents grow up, access to supports and services can lead to successes and positive results. Early identification and effective treatment can make a major difference in the lives of children and adolescents and help them reach their full potential.