Guiding Parents Through Services (GPS)
Connecting families in the Jewish community to resources
Guiding Parents Through Services (GPS) is a confidential WJCS consultation service is designed to assist Jewish families who have questions or concerns about their child’s or adolescent’s social, emotional or behavioral development and well-being, with a focus on mental health needs. We address separation issues, social skills, anxiety or depression, substance use, educational concerns, eating disorders, bullying occurrences, peer isolation, and other concerns.
The mission of GPS is to promote wellness and children’s emotional well-being through prevention, education, and early intervention. GPS assists parents in connecting to appropriate services and support in the community, helps to strengthen and educate families, and provides ongoing follow-up and support. A professionally-trained family resource specialist helps parents navigate the mental health system, from assessment to referrals and follow-up and offers advocacy and information about parental rights when appropriate.
The WJCS GPS program also coordinates community workshops to support and educate families about effective services and supports now available, and to reduce the stigma associated with mental health needs.