System of Care

A family-driven and strengths-based program that uses the wraparound model, which looks to identify community resources and natural supports while promoting permanent connections for the child and family. Enrolled families are assigned a care coordinator who will work with the family to assemble a team of community resources to help address the unique needs of the child and family.

Who is eligible to receive System of Care services?
Services are available to families who have a child or adolescent who is 18 or younger and:

  • Resides in Norwalk, Westport, Weston, or Wilton
  • Has complex behavioral health needs
  • Requires or is in need of support from multiple agencies and service providers
  • Needs assistance in coordinating care with multiple agencies, services, and/or supports

What do we offer?
With the family leading the way, we:

  • Recognize the family’s strengths, talents and skills
  • Create an individualized crisis/safety plan
  • Identify resources and tools in the community
  • Build a safety net of support that includes family, friends, and providers
  • Facilitate monthly Child and Family Team Meetings

How do I enroll my family in System of Care?
Parents and caregivers interested in System of Care can call Clara Mesa, Director of Community Based Services at (203) 299-1315; x6156. Referrals are also accepted from all state agencies, local school systems, pediatricians, and social service agencies. Families concurrently involved with DCF services are not eligible for care coordination services.

How long will my child be enrolled in System of Care?
Every child is different, but the typical length of treatment is 6 months.

Operating Hours
Monday – Friday; 9 am – 5 pm
Evening appointments available by appointment only.

Location
98 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT

Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Yes.

Fees
There is no fee for service.

Victim’s Assistance Program

What is the Victim’s Assistance Program (VOCA)?
Home, community, and clinic-based clinical and non-clinical services for victims of crime (e.g., child abuse including child physical abuse or neglect and child sexual abuse/assault; child victims of/witnesses to domestic violence; and victims of teen dating victimization).

What is the goal of VOCA?
VOCA supports individuals and/or families who, due to multiple social and economic problems, have difficulties accessing and following through with treatment and related services. Our VOCA team also supports an individual’s and/or family’s journey through the legal system, from temporary housing to permanent housing, relocation, court processes and other basic needs that stabilize the family or the individual and allow for mental health treatment to take place.

What types of services does VOCA offer?
Counseling and therapy
– Individual therapy
– Family therapy
– Group therapy
Non-clinical services
– Coordinated, comprehensive evaluations
– Advocacy
– Case management
– Parent/caregiver education
– Linkage to treatment and other social services
– Victim Compensation Program

How long will my family receive VOCA services?
Families enrolled in VOCA receive an average of 9-12 months of services. Visits are scheduled based on a family’s needs and are available during evening hours to accommodate work and school schedules.

How do I enroll my family in VOCA?
Parents and caregivers interested in VOCA services can call (203) 299-1315. Referrals may also come from state agencies, local school systems, pediatricians, and social service agencies.

Operating Hours
Monday – Friday; 9 am – 5 pm
Evening appointments available by appointment only.

Location
100 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT

Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Yes.

Fees
There is no fee for service. Funding for Mid-Fairfield’s VOCA program is provided by a federally-funded state grant through VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) and the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch of Victim Services.

Early Childhood Consultation Partnership (ECCP®)

For children aged 0-5 years old, The Early Childhood Consultation Partnership (ECCP®) is a strengths-based, mental health consultation program providing services to childcare providers, educators, and parents. ECCP® works to build the capacities of childcare providers and families to better support social-emotional wellbeing of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. ECCP® offers various levels of services including:

  • phone consultation
  • child specific consultation (length of services; 6-weeks)
  • classroom consultation (length of services; 14-weeks)
  • center-wide consultation (length of service; 9-months)

Consultation topics may include addressing aggressive behavior and working with providers on building positive guidance and responsive skills.

Who is referred to ECCP®

  • Children who may be exhibiting challenging behaviors, developmental concerns, and/or are in need of support to build positive social and emotional skills.
  • Classrooms and childcare centers in need of strategies and guidance on how to best support the social and emotional capacities for young children in their care.

How can I contact ECCP®?

  • For Norwalk, Westport, Darien, and surrounding towns, contact the office (203) 299-1315; x6115 or cell (203) 505-3998.
  • For Stamford and Greenwich, contact the office at (203) 299-1315; x6138 or (203) 858-2503.

Operating Hours
Monday – Friday; 9 am – 5 pm
Early morning appointments available by appointment only.

Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Yes.

Fees
There is no fee for service.