For parents of children with mental illness, Passages provides help, hope
For release Jan. 14, 2008

Contact: Becky Bates at 509.892.9241 or Sarah Howard at 509.624.2378 howard@voaspokane.org

Spokane, Wash.—Parents of children with mental illness often must alter their dreams; but that doesn’t mean they must live without Hope. Passages Family Support, a local program administered by Volunteers of America, is here to empower parents of children with emotional, behavioral or mental disorders to navigate systems of care in a way that allows them to raise their children with dignity and joy.

“It’s an absolutely overwhelming job to raise a child with severe mental illness. It’s a hard world to navigate on your own,” says Becky Bates, who is director of the Passages program. “But if you can get a team around you, you can find hope.”

Working through a “wraparound” model that surrounds families with a variety of services, Passages empowers families with education, support and resources. Certified Peer Counselors educate parents about their child’s illness and work with families through in-home visits. Case Managers offer links to local, state and national resources and the program holds in-depth parenting courses designed specifically for this population.

Passages staff also provide valuable advocacy, working directly with schools to help families, administrators and teachers understand the laws in place to aid these children and parents. Bates is also active in advocacy at the state and national levels, working to change laws and systems that are hard to navigate.

Parents can also participate in a support group and group activities where they can share their experiences without fear of the shame or condemnation that often accompanies mental illness. Families can also find help through emergency financial assistance and holiday help.

“No matter how big the hurdle,” explains Bates, “when you know you’re not alone, it makes a world of difference.”

Passages is a chapter of the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health and NAMI Child and Adolescent Network. All services are free to primary caregivers of children accessing the Spokane County mental-health system.

More information about the program can be found at www.voaspokane.org or by calling the program directly at 509.892.9241.

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