Parentlinks

The goals of the program are to (1) increase the number of families who complete the Newborn Hearing Screening Program and receive follow-up services tailored to their needs, and to (2) ensure that all families with infants identified as D/HH are referred to the network of resources in place to offer ongoing support. Specific program objectives reflect the Parentlinks Family Focus Resource & Empowerment Center Parentlinks California State University, Northridge 2 program goals and proposed implementation at each of the three FFREC offices (CSUN, Santa Clarita, and Antelope Valley). With this program, we expect to: a. Establish and implement a process for coordinating with the Hearing Coordination Center in Long Beach to conduct outreach to parents. Results: ? Development of a database for tracking and reporting o Numbers of families and screening outcomes ? Monthly contacts by Parent Mentor b. Educate and provide supportive services to parents and families with infants diagnosed as deaf or hard of hearing. Results: ? Families will become knowledgeable about audiological assessment, communication options, as well as Early Start and later educational programs for children who are DHH. ? Documentation of follow-up services provided by the FFREC ? Documentation of referrals made to other FRC and PTI centers ? Documentation of topics and number of workshops and support group sessions provided ? Documentation of number of families provided with information about hearing loss ? Monthly contacts by Parent Mentor The activities and services provided will strengthen the partnerships between the FFREC and other Family Resource Centers in our geographic region from whom FFREC has support, as well as the Greater Los Angeles Association for the Deaf, House Ear Institute, and Los Angeles Unified School District. Services to parents and their children will be enhanced through effective collaboration among these organizations and our combined efforts. It is also anticipated that this partnership building will result in increased follow-up, outreach, and information dissemination. As families are repeatedly and consistently provided with referral information, resource guides, and contact information for/by FFREC, they will be more likely to follow-through with accessing services.