The Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center, Inc., (PCRC) was established in 1975 through collaboration among area educators, mental health professionals and Griffin Hospital. Its purpose was to provide a mental health resource for Valley parents and children, using a multi-disciplinary approach including psychiatry, psychology, social work and allied professional and paraprofessional orientations. Services were to be essentially family oriented with a focus on individual child behavior and the problems of parenting.

HISTORY

   PCRC originally provided services on a part-time basis in various schools through a contract with the Clifford Beers Guidance Clinic in New Haven. In 1997, funding was obtained to hire three full-time psychiatric social workers. In 1980 the Parent Aide program was added providing experienced outreach workers for in-home services to parents needing skill building, support and advocacy. In 1993, the Local Systems of Care Program began providing intensive case management services to children at risk of out of home placement.

   Originally located at Ripton School in Shelton, Connecticut, PCRC moved to its own location in 1979 on Coram Ave. Later in 1983 the agency moved to White Street in Shelton. In January 2004 the agency relocated to 30 Elizabeth Street in Derby, Connecticut. Today, PCRC is the leading provider of behavioral health services to children and families in the Lower Naugatuck Valley.