NEW CRISIS CARE SERVICES FOR YOUNGSTERS
AT PROSPECT FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER

(Article published in HWW May 2008)

by Dona Anderson, Homes for the Homeless

Are you having a hard time caring for your children and don’t know where to find help? Do you need emergency childcare for your family? Is taking care of your kids becoming too hard to handle?

The Prospect Family Support Center can help! PFSC is a new place for New York City families in crisis to get free services.

If you cannot care for your child or children because of an emergency, PFSC can provide care for children ages 0 to 6, in a safe, nurturing environment. Children may stay at PFSC for up to 3 full days (including nighttime care). Children will carefully watched by trained childcare professionals while you resolve your crisis.

Families who are experiencing physical and mental health emergencies, such as a hospital visit, problems with domestic violence, parenting, housing, or getting benefits such as public assistance and childcare, can use the Family Support Center.

While at the PFSC, children can play with lots of fun and educational toys and games. They can do arts and crafts and read books with staff members. They will eat three healthy meals per day, plus snacks, and have a safe and comfortable place to sleep.

The PFSC is located in the South Bronx, off of the 2, 5, and 6 trains. PFSC’s knowledgeable and friendly staff will also help connect you with the help you need to keep your family safe and together. PFSC can help you with case management services, parenting workshops, and parent support groups. We can also help you find other kinds of services, like education, jobs, substance abuse counseling, and mental and physical health care.

PFSC is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you need help, please call the 24-Hour Hotline at (212) 222-KIDS. Our staff speaks both Spanish and English. We look forward to hearing from you!

For more information, call Prospect Family Support Center at (212) 222-KIDS or click on www.family supportnyc.org