The START Program is a state-wide initiative to serve individuals who experience developmental disability and mental health challenges. START is an acronym for Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resource, and Treatment.
For individuals (6 years or older) who meet the program criteria, the START Program offers help in a variety of ways. From online meetings and training to in-person consultation, experts in the intellectual/developmental disability field strengthen the care network for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families. The START Program includes a network of START coordinators, who are located at each Area Agency,
For individuals who are 21 and older, there’s also a 6 bed START Resource Center located in Boscawen, New Hampshire which is operated by Community Bridges. It’s designed to employ a positive, person-centered approach for assessment, crisis prevention and stabilization in the context of a safe, supportive, therapeutic setting for those who need them, along with in home supports for those who would benefit from those services. They can assist after discharge from a mental health facility, provide assessment and support to someone in distress, or give ongoing support to an individual who lives with their family but cannot benefit from traditional “respite” programs. Individuals at the Center work on specific therapeutic goals while at the Center.
The START Program is a short-term service and does not replace the need to continue with community supports and services already in place for the individual. You can read more about this program on the START Program website or on the Community Bridges website.
If you’re a client of The Moore Center who is interested in participating in this program you can contact your case manager at The Moore Center.
