Sometimes the best help we can get is from someone who has gone through similar problems as we are facing. That is the concept of the family network. Over the years, families who have children with facial differences have been recruited and trained by staff of the Medical University of South Carolina Craniofacial Center to serve as peer counselors for other families who are still struggling with the issues related to craniofacial disorders. These families have been organized into networks which collectively serve families throughout the region served by the Center. Often, a mother with a new born baby will be visited while still in the hospital by another mother who is a member of the family network.

Ms. Laurie Rysta is the parent liaison for the Center and president of Charleston Clefts Inc., a support group for families affected by cleft lip and palate.

Resources for Families in South Carolina:

BabyNet
BabyNet is a program that provides services to infants and toddlers, birth to three years of age, with developmental delays or diagnosed disabilities. Children may be eligible for BabyNet if they are learning or developing slowly. Children who meet eligibility criteria are served regardless of family income or nationality.

800-868-0404
www.scdhec.net/babynet/

The Caring Connection's Peer Parent Support Program
This pilot project is supported by Children's Rehabilitative Services (CRS) and the Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital Fund. The mission of the program is to provide families whose children receive care at the Medical University of South Carolina with trained, caring Peer Parents on site during their hospital visit.

135 Rutledge Avenue
PO Box 240561
Charleston, SC 29425
843-876-1505 (phone)
843-876-1518 (fax)

Charleston Clefts Inc.
Charleston Clefts, Inc. is made up of people that have personal experience with cleft lip and palate either as an individual, parent, or practitioner.

227 Farm Road
Goose Creek, SC 29445
843-364-8876
LRysta@charlestonclefts.org

Family Connection of South Carolina, Inc.
Funded through BabyNet, this early intervention program connects families whose child or children have developmental delays with parents trained to help. Parents who have been trained to help, also have children with special needs. Families eligible for services through BabyNet may participate in this program. BabyNet, South Carolina's early intervention program for infants and toddlers up to age three, is designed to prepare young children for pre-school.

2712 Middleburg Drive
Suite 103-B
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 252-0914
www.familyconnectionsc.org
famconn@mindspring.com