Mission Statement
| To strengthen and support individuals and families in overcoming obstacles and meeting life's challenges through the provision of positive and caring, educational, psychological and social services which promote family health and development. |
History
FAMILYConnections, Inc., formerly Family Service and Child Guidance Center is the result of the merger of two organizations. The Family and Children's Service Agency, which was established in 1959, was originally founded in 1879 as the Registry Society. The Child Guidance Clinic was established in 1948. The mission of both of these agencies was similar; to serve the needs of children and families in the communities of the Oranges, Maplewood, and Millburn-Short Hills.
While similar in mission, these two parent agencies provided somewhat different services. The Child Guidance Clinic emphasized mental health services to children, and focused on the family as a unit rather than on the individual child. The services it provided were more oriented toward a social service model, emphasizing education, protection and prevention of family dysfunction.
The merger of these two agencies in 1969, created Family Service and Child Guidance Center, which provided the community with a rich array of programs and services. However, the primary focus of the agency continued to be on strengthening family life and supporting the family system.
In an effort to move forward with the changing behavioral healthcare industry, in 1997, the board of directors changed the name of the agency to FAMILYConnections, Inc. Currently, this agency provides the community with a broad array of services including, counseling for individuals, families, couples and children. Other programs include outpatient drug and alcohol abuse programs, therapeutic after-school programs, a school-based youth services program, an alternative school, as well as home based crisis intervention services.