Wisconsin FACETS 1-877-374-4677: A Parent Training and Information Center for the state of Wisconsin which offers programs to help parents support and enrich their children's lives.
Great Lakes Intertribal Council Native American Family Empowerment Center : 1-800-472-7207: The Center provides an opportunity for Native American parents to gain updated knowledge and the confidence and empowerment they need to become effective advocates for their children.
Wisconsin Coalition for Advocacy 1-800-928-8778: The Wisconsin Coalition for Advocacy (WCA) is a private, nonprofit agency chosen by Wisconsin's Governor to provide protection and advocacy for people with disabilities throughout the state.
ABC for Health 1-800-585-4222 : Advocacy and Benefits Counseling for Health is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to ensuring health care access for children and families, particularly those with special needs or who are at risk.
Family Voices of Wisconsin 1-608-233-3726: Family Voices of Wisconsin provides information and training to families on accessing health and community supports and services.
The Arc Wisconsin 1-877-272-8400: The Arc provides information, assistance and advocacy in many areas, including direct services, guardianship, funding, health care, housing, transportation, and legal services to people with disabilities and their families.
Leadership programming:
Parents As Leaders (PALs) 1-800-532-3321: PALs is a group of parents (of children with special needs birth to 6) and other caregivers who meet together five times during a year to learn about resources, connect with other families and develop leadership and advocacy skills.
Parents in Partnership 1-877-844-4925: The Parents In Partnership program (PIP) is a four or five part leadership opportunity for parents, foster parents, or other care givers who have children, 6-14 years old, or youth 13-21 years old with special needs.
Parent Support Groups:
Parent to Parent of Wisconsin 1-888-266-0028: Parent to Parent of Wisconsin provides the one-to-one connection for parents new to having a child with special needs, experiencing a time of stress or simply seeking support, resources and information with another parent who has been there
Find local parent support groups through your Children With Special Health Care Needs Regional Center and Wisconsin First Step: 1-800-642-7837: Five Regional CSHCN Centers in Wisconsin provide free and confidential assistance to providers and children with special health care needs and their families.
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) 1-800-999-6673: NORD provides information on parent support groups and contacts for specific disabilities.
Summary of Resources for Unexpected, Immediate Needs and Crisis
Key Resources to Connect Families to at or Before Transition
The Family Support Program - The Family Support Program is offered in each Wisconsin county and provides individual services and supports to families that include a child with severe disabilities. Call Wisconsin First Step to find your local program - 1-800-642-7837. If there is a waiting list for services, a family may wish to add their name for future assistance.
The Children with Special Health Care Needs Regional Center Find your local program by calling -1-800-642-7837. the CSHCN Program works to support children with special health care needs and their families. They can offer some of the functions of service coordination after a family leaves Birth to 3.
For families who will continue to receive special education services:
Wisconsin FACETS: 1-877-374-4677 - Wisconsin Family Assistance Center for Education, Training & Support, Inc. (WI FACETS) is a nonprofit organization serving Wisconsin children and adults with disabilities, their families and those who support them.
Great Lakes Intertribal Council Native American Family Empowerment Center : 1-800-472-7207: The Center provides an opportunity for Native American parents to gain updated knowledge and the confidence and empowerment they need to become effective advocates for their children.
Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative: 1-877-844-4925 - The Wisconsin Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative (WSPEI) is a service for parents, educators, and others interested in parent-educator partnerships for children with disabilities.
For families who will continue to have complex health concerns for their child:
Medical Assistance Katie Beckett - The Katie Beckett Program (Medicaid Recipient Services 1-800-362-3002) is a special eligibility process that allows certain children with long-term disabilities or complex medical needs, living at home with their families, to obtain a Wisconsin Medicaid card.
ABC for Health 1-800-585-4222 - Advocacy and Benefits Counseling for Health is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to ensuring health care access for children and families, particularly those with special needs or who are at risk.
Respite Care and/or Personal Care Agencies: Contact your local Family Support Program, Children with Special Health Care Needs Regional Center (mentioned above) or the Respite Care Association of Wisconsin 1-866-702-7229.