Family Resources

Family Resources

Parents remember what it feels like when they bring their sons and daughters to the Center. "The first day was extremely difficult. I was a stay-at-home mom and I had cared for him for the last 14 years. He was our responsibility and we wondered if we were doing the right thing," remembered one mother.

Fear, self-doubt, and second-guessing are common and natural feelings parents have as they make the decision to leave their children in the hands of the staff at the Anne Carlsen Center for Children. The Center realizes the importance families play in the growth and development of each child.

To that end, families are encouraged and welcome to come to the Center anytime to spend time with their children and to be an active team partner in the management of their child's care.

The staff assists children in communicating with family members via web-cameras, telephone, email, and mail. Likewise, parents and guardians are welcome to call teachers, medical staff and life skills trainers to check on the daily progress of their children.

Many families take their children home for weekends, extended holidays, and summer vacations as well. For those students medically unable to leave the Center, families have access to the Sunroom as well as a fully-furnished guest house. The sunroom has been the site of many family gatherings over the years, including birthday celebrations and Christmas dinners.