SCHOOL-BASED SUPPORT FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES
MassSTART is a free, year-round support program for youth and families, funded by the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS). Through a strengths-based, family-centered approach, the program is designed to reduce risk factors associated with substance use by building youth’s confidence, strengthening family relationships and increasing connections to school and the community.
Working in partnership with Boston Public Schools, MassSTART provides individualized case management, school-based services, family advocacy and connections to community resources, all at no cost to families.
WHO WE SERVE
MassSTART serves youth ages 10-16 and their families. Currently, The Home’s MassSTART is embedded in two Boston Public Schools, offering services in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Haitian Creole:
- Richard J. Murphy School
- Margarita Muñiz Academy
HOW WE HELP
Every family enrolled in MassSTART is paired with a dedicated case manager who provides personalized support throughout the year.
Working alongside youth, caregivers, school staff and community partners, our case managers develop individualized service plans built around each family’s goals and unique needs.
Support may include:
- Improving school attendance and engagement
- Academic support and organizational skills
- Goal setting and treatment planning
- Family advocacy and community resource navigation
- Assistance accessing clothing, school supplies, food resources, holiday assistance, legal resources, housing supports and other basic needs.
- Collaboration with clinical providers and other agencies when families are involved with multiple systems of care
SCHOOL-BASED SERVICES
Our MassSTART staff work closely with teachers, counselors, administrators and other school professionals to support student success.
Services include:
- Weekly individual student check-ins
- Social-emotional lunch groups
- Classroom collaboration
- Participation on school support teams
MassSTART also offers life skills and group activities that focus on topics such as self-esteem and confidence, emotional regulation, bullying prevention, substance use prevention and more.
Our team supports school communities by:
- Participating in school events
- Attending cultural celebrations and family nights
- Connecting families with community resources
- Collaborating with school staff to identify student and family needs
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
In addition to our school-based offerings, MassSTART organizes recreational outings and family engagement events. These opportunities are designed to strengthen family relationships while helping kids broaden their experiences, bond with peers and develop meaningful connections with their communities. Past MassSTART outings for families have included trips to water parks, local fall festivals, professional sporting events and more.
