We are a Group Home Facility offering programs for
physically handicapped/mentally handicapped, and medically challenged children.
Philosophy of Sunshine Haven
Sunshine Haven, Inc. is a group home facility, providing temporary or permanent care for special needs children who for varied reasons cannot remain at home. In-depth evaluation is made of each child referred to us to determine if Sunshine Haven can meet the needs of that individual child and to access the impact of the child on the others at Sunshine Haven.
We generally accept children only, up to the age of 22, making no discrimination as to race, color or creed. Our goal is to provide the best in physical, psychological and spiritual growth of the children. We feel any child we accept can be helped to achieve his or her own potential.
Once a child is accepted at Sunshine Haven, a program is developed to help relieve the immediate problems which have caused the referring party to seek our services. The program is tailored to the individual child utilizing the skills of its child care staff, the resources of the Special Education Department Services of the local school system and the specialized expertise of practitioners in the areas of neurology, orthopedics, physical and occupational therapy.
In the long term, a treatment program is evolved which will lead to the eventual placement of the child in a permanent family situation through return to the natural parents, adoption or long-term foster or group care. To accomplish this objective, complete assessment of child's treatment plan is made every three months; also there are on-going planning sessions with the child's parents or custodians as needed.
Services to the Children
Medical Services
Medical services include medical examinations by a local pediatrician or, if preferred, the child's own doctor. The administering of drugs and minor medical procedures are handled by in-house registered nurses. Evaluations, diagnosis and treatment of special problems are provided by the University of Mass. Medical Center and Milford Regional Hospital.
Educational Services
Educational Services are provided through the Northbridge Public School Special Education Department or the School System where the child comes from. A coordinated effort between the public school staff and Sunshine Haven insures an educational and training program that provides each child with a consistent pattern of development in school and in the residence.
Respite Care
Respite care for temporary periods can be provided by special arrangement, based on need and medical requirements. Some of our children have both physical challenges and medical challenges. All of our children have developmental disabilities which affect thier daily routine. Respite services can be short or long term. If you would like additional information please use the contact us form or call us anytime.
Recreational Services
Recreational services are provided year round at Sunshine Haven, utilizing equipment inside the home as well as outside in the yard. The summer recreation program is designed to take advantage of the many public recreation facilities that are available to the general population, thereby giving the children good exposure to the community and surroundings in which they live.
Services to Families
Family Involvement
Family involvement, if possible, is a key element in this child care program at Sunshine Haven. Participation by all members of the family is all aspects of a child's placement is encouraged. Visiting arrangements are very liberal; overnight and weekend visits at the home of the parents can be arranged when appropriate. Short-term post-hospitalization services are also offered to the family when a child is transitioning to home after hospitalization. These services can include learning about the child's needs, diagnosis, how to administer treatment or how to feed your child. Very often the family is overwhelmed and in need of support during these times.
Social Services Coordination
Social Services coordination is provided to the family through the staff in working with medical and state agencies regarding placement, financial and other matters as needed.
Support After Discharge
Support after discharge from Sunshine Haven is offered to the family after the child is returned home or to an alternate permanent living situation by the placing agency.
Staff
Sunshine Haven has a staff of about 25 full-time and part-time, providing round-the-clock coverage. They are experienced in and dedicated to working with special needs children. A social worker consultant is a part of the staff at Sunshine Haven. A local pediatrician is on-call at all time. The Nurse Manager and the Full-Time Nurse provide on-site nursing care and on-call services. Sunshine Haven also has a Special Kids/Special Care Nurse Practioner who works with most of our children.
Licensing
Sunshine Haven is a fully licensed Residential Facility under the rules and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and The Office of Early Education and Care.
Facility
Sunshine Haven is a "home" in the fullest and best sense of the word. There is no feeling of institutionalism common in nearly all child care facilities. Visitors are at once impressed by the cleanliness and cheerful surroundings. The 28 room home, 16 of the rooms of which are used exclusively for the children, is located in a suburban setting in the Whitinsville section of Northbridge, 15 miles South of Worcester. Capacity is currently limited to 14 children from infancy through young adulthood.
Respite Services
Respite care provides short term breaks that help relieve stress, restore energy, and promotes balance in your life as well as your child's life. Sometimes you need to take a break to simply take care of your own needs. Sunshine Haven is a safe and dependable place for your child to come to while you re-energize, take a class, or simply sleep all night. In some cases the parents may need medical services themselves and Sunshine Haven, Inc. is a safe place for your children while you recuperate. Talk with your case manager to see if you can utilize these services for your child.
Referrals
Referrals for children up to age 22 are encouraged from hospitals, pediatricians, state agencies and parents, for long-term or short-term placement or temporary respite care.
For further information please contact:
Sunshine Haven
49 Linwood Avenue
Whitinsville, MA 01588
Telephone: (508) 234-3240
Fax: (508) 234-3815
Location:
49 Linwood Avenue
Whitinsville, MA 01588
Office Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9AM - 3PM
Residential Hours
24 hours per day
7 days per week
