FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS
For the past decade, the ARC has focused primarily upon the development of Family Support services. The ARC now offers a wide range of opportunities and services for our clients to achieve a more integrated life and future.
FAMILIES OF CHILDREN UNDER STRESS (FOCUS)
FOCUS is a support-based program for families and/or caregivers of children with special needs, where caregivers share their triumphs, frustrations and fears with other parents who have been there. FOCUS is held at various locations around Butte County (every Wednesday night in Chico or Paradise) and acts as an outlet to families on a variety of levels. During the group's session, children participate in an integrated recreational program at a variety of levels.
SATURDAY OFF PROGRAM
Saturday Off is an integrated recreational program, held once a month. The program, geared toward children with special needs and their siblings, offers a varied recreational and social experience at both the individual and group level, as well as giving caregivers a break from the ongoing strain of caring for a child with special needs. It is designed around a stations-based system, so that we can meet the needs of children at many levels. Some of the programs offered throughout the year have been from field trips and guest entertainers to sensory and musical activities. Families from Chico and surrounding areas are welcome.
ADVOCACY
Because we believe informed parents make the best advocates, the ARC of Butte County provides workshops and individualized assistance to help increase the parents' understanding of their child's rights and the responsibilities of the special education and service delivery systems. An Advocacy Information Program meets once a month in Chico. During these meetings, guest speakers talk about a variety of advocacy-related issues.
ADULT DAY PROGRAM
A day program that includes both center based and community based experiences as well as a vocational readiness and work experience program. Participants are engaged in a variety of constructive activities that aid in acquiring self help skills. Our work program combines both paid work at minimum wage and skills training.
PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Parent Education Program consists of an ongoing series of classes related to parenting the special-needs child. Parenting a child with special needs can be very challenging at times. The courses are set up workshop-style and repeated a few times throughout the year. Our overall course objective is to provide parents with a better understanding of their child's needs, as well as providing an outlet for personal and family growth.
AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP
The Autism Spectrum Group is comprised of families and caretakers of individuals with an autistic spectrum disorder. This group meets once a month to provide support, advocacy and education. A recreational program for autistic individuals is provided at the same time.
ARC FAMILY AND CLIENT SERVICES
The ARC offers a variety of services to our families and to individuals through the Far Northern Regional Center. These provide time off for parents, training for individuals and recreational activities.
RESPITE CARE
Respite Care Service offers personalized support to children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. A respite care provider is available to provide temporary care and companionship for the individual with a developmental disability or neurological impairment in the home or community. Sensitive to the needs of families living with someone who has a disability, respite care providers furnish one of the supports which maintain disabled individuals in their homes, enhance personal growth and development, and foster independence of all family members.
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS PROGRAM
ARC's Independent Living Skills program provides a diverse range of skill training and services that focus on the individual's personal and social needs. The training enables individuals to acquire, maintain and improve their existing abilities to live independently in the community. Our staff is able to assist each client, based on individual needs, in areas of independent living and behavioral intervention.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY SUPPORT SERVICES (C.A.S.S.)
Under the Independent Living Program is C.A.S.S., which provides services to clients who need additional support services to live independently. For example, when clients might be reluctant to learn or are unable to attain a skill, we provide support services.
PARENTING
As a specialized component of the ILS program, ARC's Parenting is able to provide the following services on a one-to-one basis: individual parent support, positive parenting techniques, parent support groups, assistance with understanding and accessing community services.
RECREATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM
ARC's Recreational Therapy Program is designed to meet the needs of children and adults. ARC will advocate and assist clients to develop, maintain, and express a more independent leisure lifestyle as well as to enhance the quality of life by utilizing recreational activities and appropriate social behavior strategies.
SOCIALIZATION PROGRAM
The Socialization Program is a unique part of the ILS Program, providing services to both children and adults. We advocate and assist clients in becoming an integral part of their community. Our clients are involved in each step of this process.
