4. We received national awards for
Children’s well-being
our MultiCultural Banking Center.
And you can see the results is no small matter.
right here at home. That’s why we offer services to help
children feel their best, including:
In 2010 we were named • Medication flavorings such as apple, bubble
Community Credit Union of the gum and chocolate
Year by the Credit Union National • Safety caps on all prescription bottles
Association, and also received the • Live access to pharmacy professionals 24/7 at
Herb Wegner Memorial Award for Walgreens.com/pharmacychat, so you can ask
“Outstanding Organization” from a question about your child’s medication
68 Legion Parkway, Brockton the National Credit Union
PLUS everyday conveniences from diapers and
Foundation. HarborOne is the only Credit Union to receive healthful snacks to toys, party supplies and more!
both these prestigious awards in the same year. We’re
pleased to see the positive impact the MultiCultural Banking
Center is having on individuals and the community. Visit one of our seven Brockton-area locations today.
To sign up for classes or to learn more, you can call To find the one nearest you, visit Walgreens.com/findastore
508-895-1770. or call 1-800-WALGREENS (1-800-925-4733).
1.800.244.7592/www.harborone.com
This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
Excess insurance provided by MSIC.
24HCU177_MCB_Results_4x5_23_j6.indd 1 11PM0126_CommunityConnect_Mag_AD.indd 1
4/6/11 11:09:16 AM 4/13/11 2:03:19 PM
6. DENTAL SERVICES
for kids and adults
CALL TODAY FOR A PRIORITY APPOINTMENT
508-203-7047
Across the street from
Westgate Lanes
in Brockton
Ask about our Ortho “Braces” Services
¡Hablamos Español!
13. WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE THEY GO
Sarah Wright, Editorial Assistant
As the summer months approach information that every parent should
and the days grow longer, the know before they go.
sweltering heat will bring more
There are 12,419 (according to the
than the need for reliable air
NCCIC) licensed child care facilities in
conditioning. Massachusetts alone, and being licensed
certainly provides that a facility has met
The absence of school will reign in the
certain criteria of the State, including CORI
need for full time (and affordable) child
background checks, CPR certification and
care. According to childstat.gov, 47% of
uninformed routine inspections. However,
children in kindergarten through 3rd
unlicensed facilities are not held to these
grade and 53% of those in 4th through 8th
standards of the law.
grade received some non-parental child
care in 2005.
Below is an easy checklist every parent
should use before determining if their
Whether you are trusting your child
child will be happy, healthy and safe in
with a family member, friend, or child
the child care setting.
care provider, there is some essential
14. Together, we can ensure that every child in Brockton graduates.
The gradual process of disengagement can be interrupted when
communities, schools and families work together. If you suspect your
child needs additional supports, call the school and ask to speak with
your child’s teacher and/or the school adjustment counselor.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23. GRANDPARENTS YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Are you a grandparent who is concerned Are you a grandparent raising your Are you a grandparent already raising
about the safety and well-being of your grandchild – struggling with finances, child your grandchild and you sometimes
grandchild but you don’t know how to help, care/school issues, or concerned for your own feel alone, ashamed, guilty, confused,
where to go, or what to do? and your grandchild’s mental health? overwhelmed and in need of support?
YOU ARE NOT ALONE and there is help out
there! Although this document doesn’t
hold the answers to all of your questions or
concerns, it is hopefully just what you need
to get started in the right direction. All
you need is to know how to navigate the
different systems and advocate for yourself
and your grandchild.
Court Finances Support
To obtain custody of your grandchild, go to the If you are the guardian of your grandchild, You may feel like you are the only grand-
Probate Court where the child lives and request you are entitled to apply for grantee relative parent raising your grandchild, but you are not!
temporary guardianship. In order to get benefits at the Department of Transitional Find a local support group for grandparents.
guardianship of the child his or her parent(s) Assistance (DTA). Call DTA Central Office for Go to www.mass.gov/elders for listings.
must consent, must be found to be unfit or must more information: 1-800-445-6604. Eligibility • Maintain good communication with schools,
be unavailable. The Clerk’s office will have the is based on your child’s income, not yours! DTA therapists, the court, etc. Good communica-
paperwork necessary to get you started. You will explain. Bring copies of the guardianship tion benefits you and your grandchild.
should bring the child’s birth certificate with paperwork, proof of residence, and ability • Try to find a child therapist who specializes
you if you have it. to show relationship to the child. in child trauma (and accepts MassHealth).
• Temporary guardianship means temporary. • If your grandchild is under FIVE years old, For younger children, consider play therapy.
The biological parents have a right to be he/she is eligible for Women, Infants, and • If your grandchild has been diagnosed
heard and contest your request. The court Children (WIC) which helps with milk, with a mental illness and is covered by
will set a date for a hearing. cheese, etc. Call 1-800-WIC-1007 for MassHealth, contact CBHI, or your local
• If the Probate Court awards you permanent more information. Department of Mental Health office.
custody of your grandchild, know that • If either biological parent is deceased, the • If they are struggling at school, you should
permanent does not mean permanent. child may be eligible for survivor benefits ask the school for a TEAM evaluation. Your
The biological parent may petition Probate through Social Security. If your grandchild grandchild may qualify for an Individualized
Court in the future for custody of the child has a medical or mental health disability, Education Plan (IEP). Make your request
to return him/her. they may qualify as well. in writing!
• You do not need an attorney. If you have • Your grandchild is eligible for MassHealth • Go to www.mass.gov/elders and the
legal questions, there is an attorney-of- insurance! Take advantage of this service! “Grandparents” page for more detailed
the-day at each court. Contact the Department of Early Education information.
• If you do not have the child’s birth certificate and Care for income-eligible child care or • For specific questions:
when you apply for custody, the court may day care vouchers at (617) 988-6600. grandparents@capecoalition.com
allow you to file it in the future.
If the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is involved Created by the:
If DCF has custody of your grandchild, you have the your grandchild, and other services. Contact the Massachusetts Commission on the Status
right to ask to participate in a home study and have child’s social worker as soon as possible for more of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
your grandchild placed with you as a kinship foster information. For a copy of the Grandparent’s Information and Referral Subcommittee
parent. If you become the child’s foster parent, you Resource Guide, go to www.mass.gov/elders
should receive foster care payments, MassHealth for
