FAMILY MATTERS GROUP, on the Monterey Peninsula,  was established to provide a variety of advocacy services for the families of Children with Special Needs and related agencies, regardless of geography. 

 Individual advocacy services may take place either at the school site, or, if a family needing assistance is located out of state or transportation is inappropriate, consultation or advocacy services can be easily delivered via teleconferencing. 

 ADVOCACY SERVICES:

·  Case Management  begins with the review of diagnostic assessments, contact with  public school or county education teams as well as other professionals or organizations affiliated with the case to determine eligibility for particular instruction or services.  Frequently, classroom observations are necessary to determine that service providers are engaged and documenting progress.  Prepare family for (and attend) all meetings; advise regarding necessary steps to assure that children will receive fair and appropriate interventions.  Advocacy is always entered into with the intent of working in a collaborative manner with district and county staff while providing careful oversight of all contractual decisions.

·  Consultation Only provides expert recommendations and case management  via telephone or teleconferencing for families living out of state or when transportation or time is critical.

·  Workshops  are provided for parents of children with Special Needs in response to targeted areas of need, either at FMG’s locations or on-site for counties, cities or organizations.

·  Assistance to Public Defenders,  civiil, or criminal attorneys can make all the difference with case preparation for LD/ED children involved in Juvenile Justice matters.

·  Alternative Dispute Resolution facilitation, on behalf or families and districts, can help both avoid costly legal actions and provide positive outcomes all around.

 “Normal is just a cycle on a washing machine.”
Whopee Goldberg, Comedian

Wisdom From 50 Secrets Humans Should Know

 They’re the Secrets…of Dogs…

Secret 23

“TREASURE YOUR FRIENDS: Friends are what you need most on your journey.  Greet them with the joy they deserve and treasure them with kind actions.” 

Secret 14

“MAINTAIN PEACE: Keep an open mind and maintain your peace – even when things seem a bit chaotic.  Problems often dissolve, creative solutions emerge, and if nothing else, the world looks like a better place!”