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In partnership with:

We received national awards for our MultiCultural Banking Center.

And you can see the results right here at home.

In 2010 we were named Community Credit Union of the Year by the Credit Union National Association, and also received the Herb Wegner Memorial Award for “Outstanding Organization” from the National Credit Union

Foundation. HarborOne is the only Credit Union to receive both these prestigious awards in the same year. We’re pleased to see the positive impact the MultiCultural Banking Center is having on individuals and the community.

To sign up for classes or to learn more, you can call 508-895-1770.

1.800.244.7592/www.harborone.comThis credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

Excess insurance provided by MSIC.

68 Legion Parkway, Brockton

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Children’s well-being is no small matter. That’s why we offer services to help children feel their best, including:• Medication flavorings such as apple, bubble

gum and chocolate

• Safety caps on all prescription bottles

• Live access to pharmacy professionals 24/7 at Walgreens.com/pharmacychat, so you can ask a question about your child’s medication

PLUS everyday conveniences from diapers and healthful snacks to toys, party supplies and more!

Visit one of our seven Brockton-area locations today.

To find the one nearest you, visit Walgreens.com/findastore or call 1-800-WALGREENS (1-800-925-4733).

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DENTAL SERVICESfor kids and adults

¡Hablamos Español!

508-203-7047

Across the street fromWestgate Lanes

in Brockton

CALL TODAY FOR A PRIORITY APPOINTMENT

Ask about our Ortho “Braces” Services

Go to: www.sunprotection.net/sunscreen.html and www.skincancer.org for more information on UV protection, sunscreens, and sun protective clothing.

As the summer months approach and the days grow longer, the sweltering heat will bring more than the need for reliable air conditioning.

The absence of school will reign in the need for full time (and affordable) child care. According to childstat.gov, 47% of children in kindergarten through 3rd grade and 53% of those in 4th through 8th

grade received some non-parental child care in 2005.

Whether you are trusting your child with a family member, friend, or child care provider, there is some essential

information that every parent should know before they go.

There are 12,419 (according to the NCCIC) licensed child care facilities in Massachusetts alone, and being licensed certainly provides that a facility has met certain criteria of the State, including CORI background checks, CPR certification and uninformed routine inspections. However, unlicensed facilities are not held to these standards of the law.

Below is an easy checklist every parent should use before determining if their child will be happy, healthy and safe in the child care setting.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE THEY GOSarah Wright, Editorial Assistant

Together, we can ensure that every child in Brockton graduates.

The gradual process of disengagement can be interrupted when communities, schools and families work together. If you suspect your child needs additional supports, call the school and ask to speak with your child’s teacher and/or the school adjustment counselor.

Are you a grandparent who is concernedabout the safety and well-being of yourgrandchild but you don’t know how to help,where to go, or what to do?

Are you a grandparent raising your grandchild – struggling with finances, childcare/school issues, or concerned for your ownand your grandchild’s mental health?

Are you a grandparent already raisingyour grandchild and you sometimes feel alone, ashamed, guilty, confused, overwhelmed and in need of support?

To obtain custody of your grandchild, go to theProbate Court where the child lives and requesttemporary guardianship. In order to getguardianship of the child his or her parent(s)must consent, must be found to be unfit or mustbe unavailable. The Clerk’s office will have the paperwork necessary to get you started. Youshould bring the child’s birth certificate with you if you have it. • Temporary guardianship means temporary.

The biological parents have a right to beheard and contest your request. The court will set a date for a hearing.

• If the Probate Court awards you permanentcustody of your grandchild, know that permanent does not mean permanent. The biological parent may petition ProbateCourt in the future for custody of the child to return him/her.

• You do not need an attorney. If you have legal questions, there is an attorney-of-the-day at each court.

• If you do not have the child’s birth certificatewhen you apply for custody, the court mayallow you to file it in the future.

If you are the guardian of your grandchild, you are entitled to apply for grantee relativebenefits at the Department of TransitionalAssistance (DTA). Call DTA Central Office formore information: 1-800-445-6604. Eligibilityis based on your child’s income, not yours! DTAwill explain. Bring copies of the guardianship paperwork, proof of residence, and ability to show relationship to the child.• If your grandchild is under FIVE years old,

he/she is eligible for Women, Infants, andChildren (WIC) which helps with milk,cheese, etc. Call 1-800-WIC-1007 for more information.

• If either biological parent is deceased, thechild may be eligible for survivor benefitsthrough Social Security. If your grandchildhas a medical or mental health disability,they may qualify as well.

• Your grandchild is eligible for MassHealthinsurance! Take advantage of this service!Contact the Department of Early Educationand Care for income-eligible child care orday care vouchers at (617) 988-6600.

You may feel like you are the only grand-parent raising your grandchild, but you are not!Find a local support group for grandparents. Go to www.mass.gov/elders for listings.• Maintain good communication with schools,

therapists, the court, etc. Good communica-tion benefits you and your grandchild.

• Try to find a child therapist who specializes in child trauma (and accepts MassHealth).For younger children, consider play therapy.

• If your grandchild has been diagnosed with a mental illness and is covered byMassHealth, contact CBHI, or your local Department of Mental Health office.

• If they are struggling at school, you shouldask the school for a TEAM evaluation. Yourgrandchild may qualify for an IndividualizedEducation Plan (IEP). Make your request in writing!

• Go to www.mass.gov/elders and the“Grandparents” page for more detailed information.

• For specific questions:grandparents@capecoalition.com

If DCF has custody of your grandchild, you have theright to ask to participate in a home study and haveyour grandchild placed with you as a kinship fosterparent. If you become the child’s foster parent, youshould receive foster care payments, MassHealth for

your grandchild, and other services. Contact thechild’s social worker as soon as possible for more information. For a copy of the Grandparent’s Resource Guide, go to www.mass.gov/elders

Created by the: Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising GrandchildrenInformation and Referral Subcommittee

If the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is involved

GRANDPARENTS YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Court

YOU ARE NOT ALONE and there is help outthere! Although this document doesn’t hold the answers to all of your questions orconcerns, it is hopefully just what you needto get started in the right direction. All you need is to know how to navigate thedifferent systems and advocate for yourselfand your grandchild.

Finances Support

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