Children's Services
Children are a vital component of the population served by Doorways. Over half of the individuals entering Doorways’ programs are under age eighteen. They often enter the shelters still fearful of the environments they have fled, and anxious of what is to come.
Doorways’ Children’s Services Program ensures that children’s special needs are met by providing individualized assessments and plans for each child who walks through our doors. Doorways also offers support to parents through in-shelter parenting groups, referrals to community play groups and parenting classes, along with one on one support.
The Children’s Services Program:
- Confirms valid health and legal status documentation.
- Completes evaluation of each child’s physical health, including referral for health care assistance, and linkage to a primary care physician who can continue to monitor the child’s growth and development once the family has left Doorways’ program.
- Assists in registering children for school and enrolling in summer camp.
- Refers to childcare facilities and assists with selection of the most appropriate caregiver for each child.
- Conducts developmental screenings and makes referrals to county and community agencies for further assistance when delays are discovered, and mental health assessments for older children.