Parent and Caregiver Support

On this page are some of the parent and caregiver support resources we identify as potentially helpful to our constituents. The OCA is not affiliated with any of these resources, this is a non-exhaustive list of relevant sources of further information.

Parental Stress Line: 1-800-632-8188

The Parental Stress Line offers a safe place for parents and caregivers to talk about the challenges of raising children and receive kindness, understanding, and the non-judgmental support needed to help prevent a situation from escalating into a crisis. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Parental Stress Line is a project of Parents Helping Parents of Massachusetts.

To contact the Parental Stress Line, call 1-800-632-8188.

Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL)

The Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) is a statewide, grassroots family organization that advocates for improved access to mental health services for children, youth and their families. PPAL’s goals are to support families, nurture parent leaders and work for systems change.

PPAL staff members are trained to support and partner with families. They are primarily family members with lived experience including parents, grandparents, family members and others who have direct experience in raising youth with emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges. They provide support, build advocacy skills, share knowledge and help families connect with resources and services that work for them.

To learn about PPAL, and to request family support, call [phone] or visit their website by clicking here: https://ppal.net/

Healthy Family Massachusetts

Healthy Families is a voluntary and free home-based family coaching program that supports young, first-time parents and helps them create stable, nurturing environments for their children. The program matches parents with trained professionals who visit families’ homes to provide support during pregnancy and the child’s first three years of life. Activities available include workshops on parenting skills, playgroups, and other social events.

Healthy Families Massachusetts is a program of the Children’s Trust and is implemented locally by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

For more information, and to find a program, visit their website by clicking here: https://www.mspcc.org/healthyfamilies/ 

Understanding Childhood Trauma and Your Family

The “Understanding Childhood Trauma and Your Family” brochure includes information about childhood trauma and the impact it may have on families. The brochure includes examples of behaviors in children after traumatic events, parent/caregiver support resources, and what to do if a child has experienced trauma.

View the brochure here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/childhood-trauma-brochure-english-version/download