Community Health Programs

Defending Childhood Program

Whittier was recently awarded a grant from the Boston Public Health Commission for the Defending Childhood Initiative to expand our ability to partner with/advocate for parents on a one-to-one basis and to treat children and adolescents utilizing two evidence-based trauma treatment models. Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) is used for children under age 6 and Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is used with children between 7 and 17 years. Trauma-trained staff, including a full time direct care clinician and a full time family partner, work with traumatized children and their parents in our Vibrant Communities program located on-site at five public housing developments and at the Elizabeth Stone House, a shelter for families affected by domestic violence. In addition to the evidence-based clinical interventions offered by the direct care clinician and the assistance with concrete services by the family partner, the two staff members are also training Whittier providers, medical assistants, case managers, and community members in the prevention of/interventions for trauma in children in our community.

A note about Whittier and COVID-19

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in our area, we ask all clients and patients to call ahead before coming to any of our sites. We are working to take care of most clients/patients via phone/video encounter so we can meet your ongoing healthcare needs. This is for your safety and so we can provide the highest quality of care to you while following CDC guidance for COVID-19. Please call 617-427-1000 for any questions or concerns.

Whittier will provide COVID-19 testing from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday to Friday. Following CDC guidance, we recommend testing if you have a fever AND one of the following three symptoms: cough OR shortness of breath OR sore throat. Please bring your picture identification and your insurance card (if you have insurance).