The Richard I. & Joan L. Freedman Center for Child & Family Development

In 2006, MSPP Trustee Richard (Rif ) Freedman and school counselor Joan L. Freedman brought their passion for children to MSPP by establishing the Richard I. & Joan L. Freedman Center for Child Development. Their goal was to address the critical shortage in mental health providers for young children by exploring new ways to provide direct service, educate professionals, and increase funding and legislation through social advocacy.

Although there is mounting support for School-Based Mental Health programs, school systems need to be educated and encouraged to allocate sufficient funds for mental health services in schools. Through in-service training, public testimony, legislative action and education, the Freedman Center is also collaborating with other advocates for children to make these important services more available to those in need.

Mission

The Freedman Center strives to connect children and families with appropriate information, resources and each other in order to serve their mental health needs.

Our work focuses on:

• helping children and families access and collaborate with mental health services in their schools and communities (www.projectinterface.org);
• providing models of preventive mental health care that are culturally and linguistically competent and relevant to the communities we serve (primary project);
• training teachers and school personnel to create and promote mentally healthy classrooms and school communities (community education).

Our Philosophy: “Integration and Partnership”

In order to prevent the building of “silos” and the duplication of services, we use a model that creates partnerships, builds capacity within schools and communities, and educates individuals to be active agents in creating mentally healthy environments

Logical partners include schools of higher education, community schools, community agencies, parent organizations, and community-based primary care and or pediatric practices and hospitals.

If you would like more information about the Freedman Center, please contact:
Margaret Hannah, MEd, Director
margaret_hannah@mspp.edu
617-327-6777 x295

Updated 3/17/08