April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. In 2020 this takes on heightened meaning in the midst of our current uncertainty. Throughout the month we will post messages to help keep families strong and children safe amid these physically isolated times. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! One way to help? Take the Pledge for Prevention! I pledge to be a good neighbor and help keep families strong and children safe. I will reach out to a family in my neighborhood, support a local family organization or know about family resources in my community.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is providing important resources and updates to ensure Healthy Connections Medicaid members continue to have access to care during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These updates include temporary policy changes allowing Healthy Connections Medicaid members to access many health care services from home as well as additional resources to answer questions you may have during the current outbreak of COVID-19. Nurse Phone Line Now Available 24/7 for Healthy Connections Medicaid Members Healthy Connections Medicaid members who are not enrolled in a managed care organization (MCO) are now able to speak with a nurse by phone for non-emergency health care-related questions. This resource is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is free to Healthy Connections Medicaid members who are not enrolled in an MCO. If you’re enrolled in an MCO, you currently have access to

Family Connection of South Carolina (FCSC) will temporarily postpone in-person activities including trainings, outreach events and home visits due to continued concerns about the coronavirus virus (COVID-19).

Family Connection of South Carolina is looking for Young Adult Leaders willing to provide leadership, guidance and support in creating and participating in a variety of projects and community initiatives. The Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC) is a diverse group of individuals with disabilities. The YAAC is committed to advocacy and educating other individuals, families, government agencies and healthcare professionals on issues that affect young adults with disabilities. The YAAC will be comprised of young adult leaders from across the state of South Carolina. Member Requirements: To participate on a speakers bureau on behalf of the organization To provide input in the planning process for 2 regional showings of ‘Intelligent Lives’ Be on a panel for Hopes and Dreams Conference in February, 2020 To participate in the development of an Outreach Plan for youth and young adults Ambassadors would meet 1x a month through June of 2020 (in person or

SCVR’s Comprehensive Evaluation Centers are hosting a Summer Camp Series for students with barriers to education or employment. Enjoy fun-filled activities at NO COST: † Escape rooms, scavenger hunts, ropes courses and other games and challenges Career exploration in forensic science, sports, law enforcement, manufacturing, and customer service College and university tours and information Take advantage of awesome services: † Physical, occupational and aquatic therapy Job readiness training Work simulations Mock interviews Upstate session dates: June 10 – 14 • July 8 – 12 • August 5 – 9 Statewide session dates: June 10 – 21 • June 24 – July 5 • July 8 – 19 • July 22 – August 2 Learn More

Are you the parent or caregiver of an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who exhibits challenging behavior or skill deficits? Would you like to receive individualized training to address these concerns? A highly-qualified team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs®) from the University of South Carolina is offering intensive, individualized training to caregivers of individuals who have been diagnosed with ASD. All ages are welcome! Training will be focused on addressing challenging behaviors (Track 1) or teaching functional daily living skills (Track 2). In both tracks, caregivers will be actively involved in learning new strategies for supporting the individual with ASD. Sessions will occur weekly for 1-2 hours, for 5-7 weeks, at DDSN – Midlands Center in Columbia, SC. We will be accepting applications from January 1st -31st. Families accepted for participation will be contacted during the month of January 2019. Additional slots may come open. To Qualify, You

Junior Dental Students at the MUSC James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine under the supervision of Dr. Ziegler and Dr. Pilcher, are conducting a survey of individuals with Down Syndrome to determine the incidence of bruxism (tooth grinding) in this patient population. It has previously been determined through the literature that these individuals do exhibit tooth grinding more than those without Down Syndrome. They are researching if there are any specific triggers that enhance the incidence of tooth grinding, such as time of day, age of the individual, stress, certain activities, and the use of certain medications. It is our hope that the quality of dental care for the patient can be enhanced through this effort. This anonymous survey is for the purposes of a research study and should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Your participation is voluntary and you are welcome to stop the survey at any