Mid-Shore Family Navigator Program

The purpose of the Mid-Shore Family Navigator Program is to serve as a voice for children's mental health and to build a family-driven network of information and support, and improve services in all systems of care for children, youth, and their families. Family Navigators are unique in that they currently are or have cared for a child with special needs. This helps the navigators relate to the families they assist. Navigators are trained to assist other families in obtaining appropriate services, and are knowledgeable about state and local resources. They can also provide information & referral, support, guidance, education on laws & policies, and sponsor workshops. In essence, they help families with children with special needs “navigate” their way through the system to obtain the best and most appropriate services for their child. They sponsor the Helping Hands support group that meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Potomac Ridge Behavioral Center, 821 Fieldcrest Rd., Cambridge, MD from 6 pm until 7:30 pm. Dinner is provided. This group is helpful for parents and families whose children are diagnosed with ADHD, bi-polar, depression, etc. or whose children are having difficulties at school or in the home. Heidi Rochon is the navigator assigned to Caroline County and also serves as the regional director. Her office is in Denton. The Family Navigator Program supported by the Maryland Coalition for Children's Mental Health and funded through the Caroline County Human Services Council.