Working for community support
and understanding.

Helping you find what your child needs...

Advocacy • Support Groups • Information & Referral • Education

NEWS !
Check out our Events Page for complete information on the 2009 Family Fun Day (including registration form and flyer) and for updated information on this year's 20TH CHILDREN COME FIRST CONFERENCE, Nov. 16 & 17, 2009

Seclusion & Restraint Report Released:
Wisconsin Family Ties, Disability Rights Wisconsin and Wisconsin FACETS have jointly released a new report, entitled, Out of Darkness...Into the Light: New Approaches to Reducing the Use of Seclusion and Restraint with Wisconsin Children.  Out of Darkness...Into the Light exposes the tragedy of secluding and restraining Wisconsin children in schools and treatment settings throughout the state.  It describes the ways in which Wisconsin children have been both emotionally and physically injured by such practices, including one child who died as the result of being restrained.  It further describes measures taken by many other states to reduce the use of seclusion and restraint of children, and calls for action to protect Wisconsin children from these dangerous practices.
Full Report
Executive Summary

Children and adolescents with mental health problems are the most under-served disability group.  Approximately 12 percent of children under 18 nationwide, 7.5 to 9.5 million, suffer from problems that warrant mental health treatment.  However, 70 to 80 percent of these children get inappropriate mental health services or no help at all.

And, perhaps more unfortunate, is the stigma associated with having a child with an emotional, behavioral, or mental disorder.  Parents may blame themselves and may be too embarrassed to discuss the possibility of a mental disorder with an outside source. There are no simple answers.  But that is why we are here to ease the frustration of finding help. 

We are a statewide not-for-profit organization run by families for families that include children and adolescents who have emotional, behavioral, mental, and substance abuse disorders.

Today, thousands of families turn to us.  We help parents develop skills necessary to advocate for their families and children. 

Wisconsin Family Ties continues to be run by families like yours and is the only resource and support agency of its kind in Wisconsin.  We know what you're going through.  We're here to help empower you to find the level of care you feel your child needs.  Call us today.

Wisconsin Family Ties can guide you through the steps you may need to take -without judgment because we've been there too.

Advocacy

Wisconsin Family Ties has Family Advocates who can team with you and the professionals working with your family.  Whether it's schools, social services, mental health services, or the juvenile justice system, we can help you clarify options and understand your rights.

Wisconsin Family Ties also advocates successfully on the statewide level.  We have parent representatives involved on many local, state, and national levels to build awareness of what families like yours need to be successful.

Support Groups

Wisconsin Family Ties can help you:

  • Find a support group in your area
  • Help you start one

Support groups can help you understand that you are not alone.  You can share challenges and possible solutions with other families.

Information and Referral

Wisconsin Family Ties aids families and professionals in finding important and up-to-date information on laws, school issues, behavioral and emotional disorder, and other resources. 

Wisconsin Family Ties has a:

  • Toll-free help line for families
  • Quarterly newsletter
  • Resource and referral library with thousands of books, articles, videos, audio tapes and magazines

Education

Wisconsin Family Ties sponsors workshops and conferences for parents and professionals.  We discuss emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders and the effect these disorders have on children and families.  Parents can learn new skills and acquire the self-confidence to advocate for their children.

In addition, we provide scholarships for parents to attend state and national conferences.  These parents represent us, gain greater insight, and bring back valuable information to share with other families.

For more information, contact:

Wisconsin Family Ties
16 North Carroll Street, Suite 640
Madison, WI  53703

608-267-6888 or 800-422-7145 (parents only please)

Fax: 608-267-6801

E-mail:  info@wifamilyties.org


Disclaimer: The information on this web site is for educational purposes; it is not intended as medical or legal advice.  For medical or legal questions, please consult with a health care provider or attorney as appropriate.  The inclusion of any resource or link on this web site does not imply endorsement.

Copyright © 1999