Continuum Services

Addressing the complex needs of children between the ages of 6 and 18 at risk of long term out of home placement.

The Continuum is a collaborative initiative between the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Department of Mental Health (DMH).

Kids at high risk for out of home placement have often experienced multiple hospitalizations. The young people identified as needing Continuum services are those with serious behavioral or mental health challenges who experience multiple out-of-home placements and need consistent therapeutic care to help them and their families remain intact. Families must be committed to participating in intensive community-based services with the goal of the youth remaining in or returning to live in the community.

Youth served are between the ages of 6-18 and are at risk of long-term out-of-home placement. The array of services available includes intensive family-based treatment in conjunction with episodes of out-of-home care for those youth, who temporarily cannot be safely maintained at home. Services vary in intensity based upon the individual needs of each youth and family and are based upon the prioritized needs of the child in order to support success in community settings, including home, school, recreation, community service, and work.

The Wayside Continuum programs are family-driven, youth guided, and strength-based. Each Wayside Continuum program—one serving the Framingham area and the other serving the Arlington area—serves 15 youth and their families, who are referred to the program by either DCF or DMH.

The Continuum services include:

• In-home family treatment
• Trauma-informed behavior support interventions
• Crisis support
• Parent/Caregiver education and support
• Support to families in accessing basic needs
• Youth Mentoring
• Care Coordination
• Linkages with formal and informal community resources and supports
• Short-term out-of-home care for youth who cannot be safely maintained at home
• Rehabilitation services such as:
• Independent Living Skills
• Symptom Management
• Treatment Planning

This is a closed referral service. Referrals must come directly through DCF and DMH.