|
|
        
|
|
||||
|
Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PAL) is an organization that promotes a strong voice for families of children and adolescents with mental health needs. PAL advocates for supports, treatment and policies that enable families to live in their communities in an environment of stability and respect. The Parent/Professional Advocacy League is an organization of parents and professionals who advocate on behalf of children with mental, emotional or behavioral special needs and their families in order to effect family empowerment and system change. Beginning as a concept in a small working group of state staff and several parents during the late 1980's, PAL focused on helping parents on a one-to-one basis through the establishment of family support groups. The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health was awarded a federal block grant from the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) which was used to expand the development of a parent organization. PAL's first full time paid Director was hired in the fall of 1991. The first two Parent Coordinators were hired in the spring of 1992. During the following year, a total of 10 support groups were established throughout the state. Training sessions were made available in order to introduce Parent Coordinators to the skills they would need and to support their efforts. In addition to providing education, advocacy and support to families, Parent Coordinators began to be involved with evaluation and planning activities with the Department of Mental Health. PAL's role in promoting the voice of families became strong and unified over the next 5 years. Today there are 42 family advocates affiliated with PAL. They facilitate over 60 support groups each month. Thousands of families are members of PAL and are partnering with professionals to work towards improving the quality of mental heath services delivered to children and adolescents in Massachusetts. Kenneth Davis, President Patricia Freedman, Clerk Chip Wilder, Treasurer Amy Glass Linda Grillo Michelle Hessler Judy Maguire Judy Mitchell Marie Morency Andrew Pond Linda Strother Mark Zanger Marion
Freedman-Gurspan Staff: Donna
Welles, Executive Director Lisa
Lambert, Assistant Director
Carol
Gramm, Education & Training Coordinator Maureen Jerz, Research Coordinator 617.542.7860 x204 Carol Mattina, PRN
Line Coordinator PAL Worcester Chapter Rina Cavallini, Director 508-767-9PAL crcav@msn.com Yvette Rodriguez, Outreach Coordinator 508-767-9PAL PAL PRN Line 866-815-8122
|
 |
||||
|
|
|||||
