22q11 (VCFS)

Parent Support Group

For Parents of Teens, Preteens & School Age Children with VCFS

Goal: To offer parents information and support needed to address issues specific to 22q11 deletions and to aid in educational and treatment planning.

Topics & Opportunities

*Becoming your family’s advocate

*Emotional and psychiatric concerns

*Educational / vocational strategies

*Dating and reproductive issues

*Long-term financial planning

*Meeting, sharing and strategizing with other parents

When:          Weekly 6-Session Group Monday Evenings 6:30 - 8:00 PM
                        *Call for start dates

Where:        Children’s Hospital Boston

With:           Anne Gavin, PhD candidate (Psych Extern, Developmental Medicine)

         Dita Obler, MS (Genetic Counselor, Dept of Cardiology)

Who:             Separate ongoing groups open to parents of adolescents, preteens and school age children.  Each group is limited to 10-12 parents (so let us know if you want us to save a slot for you).

We look forward to meeting you, Dita & Anne

For more information or to register, contact:

Mairead Sullivan @ 617-355-5429

Participants enrolled  must have:

• 20-30 minute pre-screening conversation
• Primary family therapist or primary therapist / case manager
• Insurance referral for group therapy