With the exception of most therapy services, there are no costs involved to clients of the Hirschfield Center. If it is deemed appropriate for an individual or family to attend therapy, we will help to find a provider that meets the needs of the family. The Hirschfield Center does offer limited therapy services, however this will depend on the number of existing clients. We will work with the family and other available options in order to make counseling affordable.

The Hirschfield Center exists to help children and families through life-skills building and therapeutic programming. We welcome all families who are at-risk for negative behaviors toward their children. Families that are interested in improving their understanding of their children’s behaviors and their parenting style are good candidates for services at the Hirschfield Center, as are children and teens that are coping with the pressures of life in Jackson.

Yes. While some families are court ordered into the program, the majority come on their own. Program examples include: how to talk with children while going through a divorce; developing consistent expectations and structure between two different homes; developing strategies to deal with difficult behavior or help parents that would like some assistance to increase their parenting skills. The Hirschfield Center also works closely with other community agencies to make appropriate referrals when there is an issue outside of our expertise.

Any family with children 18 or under may participate in the Family Advocate Program.

The time commitment depends on individual family needs. The intake process requires about 90 minutes. The Family Advocate will complete some basic paperwork and then have the family complete some standardized tests that paint a picture of how a family functions. Individualized plans vary, but most families meet with a family advocate every week or two for about 1 hour. Family Advocates will work with parents on a number of wide ranging topics including but not limited to: parenting skills, child developmental, effective structure within the household, and strategies to cope with difficult behavior. Mentoring of children can be one or two times per week for one hour. Families tend to participate in the Family Advocacy Project between 6 months and 1 year.