Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Support for Families
When families are supported in their homes and communities, their children can better focus and thrive in school. That’s why DC offers the following supports for families:
211
211 is an information and referral helpline for health and human services, food assistance, and housing assistance. 211 is available 24/7 to help connect you or someone you care about with quick, confidential help.
Crisis Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families
The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) offers support by telephone and in the home for children, youth and their families facing a behavioral or mental health crisis. Call or text 988 anytime to talk with a trained crisis counselor. If in person support is required, a mobile crisis services team will come to the home or a community location. Call Children and Adolescent Mobile Psychiatric Service (ChAMPS) at 202-481-1440 , 8am-8pm (M-F), and the Community Response Team at 202-673-6495 anytime.
Family Success Centers
Visit one of the DC Child and Family Services Agency's (CFSA) Family Success Centers to be connected to resources around parenting, workforce development, food security, mental health, and more. Learn more at cfsa.dc.gov/page/families-first-dc.
DCPS Mental Health Website
The DCPS Mental Health Website is a supportive and user-friendly resource designed specifically with parents in mind. Visit dcpsmentalhealth.org for resources to promote strong mental well-being, a directory of local school mental health teams, and an events calendar featuring workshops, webinars, and community activities.
Grandparent Caregiver Program
Are you a District resident who’s raising your grandchild, greatgrandchild, great-niece, or great-nephew? You may qualify for the Grandparent Caregiver Program. For residents who are raising other kin within the District, you may qualify for the Close Relatives Caregiver Program. For those eligible, the programs provide monthly finanial assistance to help you care for the child related to and living with you. More information is available at cfsa.dc.gov/publication/program-grandparent-caregivers-program.
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You can also learn more by emailing [email protected] or by calling 202-442-6009
DC Special Education Hub
The DC Special Education Hub helps families understand special education in the District of Columbia by connecting them with the tools, information, and support they need to make informed decisions to guide their child’s learning. Learn more at specialeducation.dc.gov.
Department of Behavioral Health School Behavioral Health Program
The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) operates a school-based program in public and public charter schools that offers prevention, early intervention and clinical services to youth, their families. Additionally, the program offers crisis intervention services to all students in the school. Visit dbh.dc.gov/service/school-behavioral-health-program to learn more about who your school’s mental health clinician is or contact Erica Barnes by phone at 202-295-7037 or by email at [email protected].