As we collectively experience the devastating effects of the building collapse in Surfside, it is important to remember that children may need additional mental and emotional support during this difficult time.
The Children’s Trust funds several community-based providers of mental and emotional wellness services for children and families. Don't hesitate to reach out for support. You can call the 211 Helpline anytime for referrals to services. Additionally, below are other Trust-funded resources that are available to you:
211 Helpline
@ Jewish Community Services
A confidential helpline that connects people in need to community resources available in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. 211 Miami has an extensive database of over 4,000 programs and resources for social service assistance addressing food insecurity, legal help, homeless shelters, and financial assistance programs. 211 Miami also provides emotional support and crisis counseling to clients in emotional distress, available 24/7 in English, Spanish, and Creole.
Dial 211 or 305.631.4211
University of Miami Miller School of Education & Human Development
Culturally Informed and Flexible Family-Based Treatment for Adolescents (CIFFTA)
A treatment that includes family therapy, individual therapy, and psycho-educational modules. The treatment includes a strong cultural component, is patient centered & responsive and is flexible/adaptive which allows it to be tailored to the child’s and family’s unique cultural and clinical profiles. Supports families with children 11 to 18. Virtual & in-person.
Dr. Maite Mena Phone: 305.284.3040 Email: mmena@miami.edu
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Program Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
University of Miami Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Community Connect (PCIT-CC) provides individual parenting program targeting families of children from two to twelve years old living in Miami-Dade County. The program utilizes a live coaching model of treatment where parents learn and practice skills with their children during session and receive immediate, strength-based feedback. Services are to families with children 2 to 12. The program also support children with anxiety-related and avoidant behaviors. Virtual & in-person.
Dainelys Garcia, 305.243.0234 or pcit@med.miami.edu
Haitian Neighborhood Center Sant La
Culturally Informed and Flexible Family-Based Treatment for Adolescents (CIFFTA) & Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Program offers two treatment options, Culturally Informed and Flexible Family-Based Treatment for Adolescents (CIFFTA) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a psychosocial treatment model designed to treat posttraumatic stress and related emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents ages 3 to18 years. TF-CBT also effectively addresses many other trauma impacts, including affective (e.g., depressive, anxiety), cognitive and behavioral problems, as well as improving the participating parent’s or caregiver’s personal distress about the child’s traumatic experience, effective parenting skills, and supportive interactions with the child. Virtual & in-person available Karine Monpremier.
Phone: 305.573.4871, Karinea@santla.org
Empowering Youth, Inc.
Culturally Informed and Flexible Family-Based Treatment for Adolescents- (CIFFTA)
Culturally Informed and Flexible Family-Based Treatment for Adolescents (CIFFTA) is a treatment that includes family therapy, individual therapy, and psycho-educational modules. The treatment includes a strong cultural component, is patient centered & responsive and is flexible/adaptive which allows it to be tailored to the child’s and family’s unique cultural and clinical profiles. supports families with children 11 to 18.Virtual & in-person.
Dr Andrea Wanza, info@empoweringyouthinc.org, Phone: 305.654.7251
Florida International University
College of Public Health & Social Work
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a psychosocial treatment model designed to treat posttraumatic stress and related emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents ages 3 to18 years. TF-CBT also effectively addresses many other trauma impacts, including affective (e.g., depressive, anxiety), cognitive and behavioral problems, as well as improving the participating parent’s or caregiver’s personal distress about the child’s traumatic experience, effective parenting skills, and supportive interactions with the child.Virtual & in-person at FIU Center for Children and Families, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33174.
Sara Troya, 305.348.5885
Gang Alternative, Inc.
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a psychosocial treatment model designed to treat posttraumatic stress and related emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents ages 3 to18 years. TF-CBT also effectively addresses many other trauma impacts, including affective (e.g., depressive, anxiety), cognitive and behavioral problems, as well as improving the participating parent’s or caregiver’s personal distress about the child’s traumatic experience, effective parenting skills, and supportive interactions with the child. Virtual & in-person available at 12000 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 402, North Miami, FL 33181.
Va-Lita Morris vmorris@myga.org Phone: 786.391.2375
New Horizons Community Mental Health Center, Inc.
If you need someone to talk to please know that a team of professional counselors at New Horizons Community Mental Health Center, Inc. are here to help you. Contact Nusrat Karim at 305.496.3560 to schedule an appointment. Also you can contact us at our afterhours / weekend crisis hotline. 305.635.7444. Virtual & in-person.
Nusrat Karim at 305.496.3560
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
NAMI provides education, support and advocacy for individuals living with mental health challenges and their families. Their vision is that individuals living with a mental health condition and their families have information, tools, access to services and a strong support network to maximize their recovery outcomes.
English 305.665.2540, Spanish 786.308.09680
Kristi House Children's Advocacy Center
Kristi House's mental health unit has the proven treatment interventions for many types of childhood trauma. It is one of very few agencies in Miami-Dade County providing specialized mental health services for child trauma regardless of families’ ability to pay. Because untreated child trauma often manifests itself in health, sexual, and social problems throughout life, it is vitally important that Kristi House provides mental health services to children who have experienced trauma. Treatment formats include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and play therapy. Dedicated to protocols with proven results, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF- CBT) provides the foundation for most interventions at Kristi House. Virtual and in-person services are available.
305.547.6800 or info@kristihouse.org
The Children’s Bereavement Center
The Children’s Bereavement Center (CBC) and adult division Lift From Loss® are available for immediate and long-term grief support for relatives and friends of all ages of the families involved in the Surfside tragedy. Grief support groups are available and completely free for children (ages 4+), teens and adults. CBC is working with our partners to offer direct referrals to English and Spanish speaking mental health therapists with expertise in grief and trauma for one-on-one support. Countless resources such as “Talking to Children About Loss or Crisis" can be found at www.childbereavement.org and our national grief experts are on hand for questions and registration.
Call 888-988-5438 or e-mail support@childbereavement.org