1. Q.  Who can benefit from a social skills program?
   A.  Children who appear lonely, who feel left out, or who have no one to play with or "hang out" with at recess or lunch.
        Children who complain that, "nobody likes me," or, "I don't have any friends," or, "they always tease me," etc.
        Children who have repeated conflicts or who act aggressively toward other children.
        Children who have difficulty with competition and losing.
        Children who often seem to annoy others.
        Children who demonstrate poor social listening skills or have trouble initiating and maintaining social conversations.
        Children who have difficulty interpreting non-verbal social cues such as body language, facial expression, personal space, "joking around", etc.  
   
   
2. Q.  How much does the initial consultation cost?
   A. The cost is $150.00 This covers the 30 minute consult ($60.00), reserves your child's place in the program, and $90.00 (a first meeting reduced rate) will be applied to the invoice. If we do not have an appropriate group for your child, we will refund $90.00, but if a placement is offered, and you choose to decline it, there will not be a refund. (see Initial Consultation for description).
   
   
3. Is FriendSmarts covered by insurance?
   A.  We do not bill for insurance;  however, PPO plans generally reimburse for some portion of the program.  You pay FriendSmarts, and we provide an invoice that is coded for your insurance company.  
   
   
4. Q.  Do you mix boys and girls together?
   A.  All youngsters are separated by gender.
   
   
5. Q.  Can I watch a session?
   A.  In order to protect confidentiality for children and their parents, neither parents nor outside professionals may observe the groups.  We do provide ample feedback to parents (see  question #7).
   
   
6. Q.  How many leaders are there in each group? What kind of training do the leaders have?
   A.  There is one therapist for each group of 4-5 children.  Both staff members have an advanced degree (Masters level) and at many years of experience working with school aged children in individual and group therapy.
   
   
7. Q.  How will I know if my child is progressing?
   A.  Midway through the 12-week session, you will schedule a phone conference with your child’s therapist.  This 20-30 minute conference will cover your child’s individual goals and progress as well as the group goals and your child’s progress in meeting these goals.  Throughout the 12 weeks you will receive letters home describing current group focus and how you can help your child at home.  You may also call to ask questions or get more information.  Our goal is to keep you informed so that you can support your child’s progress at home, school and in the community.
   
   
8. Q.  Where do kids in the FriendSmarts social skills program come from?
   A.  Children come to FriendSmarts social skills program from all over the Bay Area.  They are referred by their parents, teachers and other school personnel, therapists, pediatricians, and other FriendSmarts participants.
   
   
9. Q.  Will you talk to my kid’s teachers?
   A.  A blanket "Release of Information" will be given to you at the start of the FriendSmarts session.  Once it is signed, we can contact anyone you specify who might want to share information with us.
   
   
10. Q.  How many sessions do most kids attend?
    A.  About 40-50 percent of the children attend one twelve week session, and approximately 50 percent attend the two twelve week sessions held during the school year.  A smaller percentage will continue on for additional sessions.  
    
    
11. Q.  What is your vacation/illness policy? Can we get credit for missed sessions?
    A.  At the beginning of each session, you will receive a calendar listing every group meeting and vacation day.  You will notice that FriendSmarts takes all the major school holidays.  It is expected that all children will attend all twelve group meetings.  FriendSmarts does not give credit for a missed meeting.  However, it is very helpful to staff and other children in the groups if we are informed if your child will be absent.
    
    
12. Q.  Is individual/family counseling also available?
    A.  Individual and family therapy are both available from FriendSmarts staff.  We recommend you speak with your child’s group therapist, and together, you can determine the best course of treatment.
    
    
13. Q.  Are there children whose social skills needs cannot be met by the FriendSmarts program?
    A.  The FriendSmarts program does not currently serve children younger than third grade.  Children who demonstrate behaviors or developmental delays that directly interfere with their or others’ meaningful benefit from the program are not considered ready or appropriate for FriendSmarts.  Examples of those behaviors include severely oppositional or acting out behavior, severely delayed speech and language skills and below average cognitive skills.
    
    
14. If, after reading the answers to these questions, You feel that FriendSmarts might be appropriate for your child, please read about the "Initial Consultation".

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