Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is Matthew & Thompson Group?

Accepted Answer

Matthew & Thompson Group is a community-based organization providing support services for children, youth, and families. We offer youth mentoring, tutoring, supervised visitation, family support, life skills development, youth advocacy, parent coaching, and child welfare support — all delivered in homes, schools, and community settings.

Question 2

Where do you provide services?

Accepted Answer

We provide community-based services throughout the greater metropolitan area. Our staff deliver services in clients' homes, schools, libraries, community centers, and other familiar settings — wherever it's most convenient and comfortable for the family.

Question 3

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

You can reach out to us directly by email or through our contact form — no formal referral is required for families. Professionals and agencies can submit a referral through our online referral form. Once we hear from you, we'll follow up within 1–2 business days to discuss next steps.

Question 4

What ages do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve children and youth from ages 6 through 21, as well as their families. Some services — such as parent coaching and family support — are focused primarily on adults in a caregiving role. Our life skills program specifically supports youth ages 12–21, including those transitioning out of foster care.

Question 5

Do I need a referral to access services?

Accepted Answer

No. Families can contact us directly without a formal referral. Many families do come to us through a referral from a caseworker, court, attorney, or school — but you're welcome to reach out on your own. We'll have a conversation to understand your needs and determine how we can best help.

Question 6

Who can make a referral?

Accepted Answer

Referrals can be made by family court judges, child welfare caseworkers, attorneys, guardians ad litem, school counselors, healthcare providers, and other community organizations. Professionals can submit a referral through our online referral form or contact us directly.

Question 7

Is there a waitlist?

Accepted Answer

Service availability varies depending on the type of service and current capacity. We do our best to begin services promptly. When you contact us, we'll give you an honest picture of current availability and expected timelines.

Question 8

Do you serve families involved in the child welfare system?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have extensive experience working with families involved in child welfare, family court, and juvenile justice systems. We understand the pressures these families face and are committed to providing non-judgmental, strengths-based support.

Question 9

What is supervised visitation?

Accepted Answer

Supervised visitation is a service where a trained, neutral professional is present during visits between a parent and child. This is often required by a court order in custody or child welfare cases. Our staff ensure visits are safe, child-centered, and documented professionally.

Question 10

Where do supervised visits take place?

Accepted Answer

Visits take place in neutral, child-friendly locations — typically a community setting or a designated visit space. We work to ensure the environment is comfortable and appropriate for the children involved.

Question 11

Do you provide documentation and reports?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our visit supervisors maintain detailed, objective notes during each visit and provide written reports to courts, agencies, and attorneys as required. We are committed to accurate, timely, and professional documentation.

Question 12

Can visits be court-ordered or voluntary?

Accepted Answer

We provide both court-ordered and voluntary supervised visitation. Whether visits are required by a court or arranged voluntarily by the family, we provide the same professional, neutral supervision.

Question 13

How are mentors matched with youth?

Accepted Answer

We carefully match youth with mentors based on interests, personality, goals, and background. We take the matching process seriously because a strong mentor-mentee relationship is the foundation of everything else. Families have input in the process.

Question 14

How often do mentors meet with youth?

Accepted Answer

Mentors typically meet with their mentees on a regular, consistent schedule — often weekly or bi-weekly. Consistency is a core part of our mentoring model, as it helps youth build trust and experience the stability of a reliable adult relationship.

Question 15

What subjects does tutoring cover?

Accepted Answer

Our tutoring program covers core academic subjects including reading, writing, math, and science. We also provide homework help and study skills coaching. Tutors are aware of individual learning plans and IEPs when applicable.

Question 16

Where does tutoring take place?

Accepted Answer

Tutoring is delivered in the community — in the student's home, at their school, at a library, or another convenient location. We work around the family's schedule, including evenings and weekends when needed.

Question 17

Is my family's information kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We take confidentiality very seriously. Information about your family is only shared as required by law (such as mandatory reporting obligations) or as necessary to coordinate services with referring agencies. Before services begin, we explain exactly what information is shared and with whom.

Question 18

Do you share information with courts or agencies?

Accepted Answer

When services are court-ordered or agency-referred, we provide required documentation and progress reports to the referring party. We are transparent with families about what is reported and to whom. We never share information beyond what is legally required or agreed upon.

Question 19

What are your mandatory reporting obligations?

Accepted Answer

Like all organizations working with children, our staff are mandated reporters. This means we are legally required to report reasonable suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. We take this responsibility seriously as part of our commitment to child safety.

Question 20

How much do services cost?

Accepted Answer

Many of our services are funded through agency contracts, court orders, or community partnerships — meaning there may be little or no direct cost to families. Funding arrangements vary depending on the service and how you were referred. We discuss costs and funding openly during our initial conversation.

Question 21

What if I can't afford services?

Accepted Answer

We believe every family deserves access to quality support regardless of financial circumstances. If cost is a concern, please reach out and we'll work with you to explore funding options, sliding scale arrangements, or community resources that may help.

Question 22

Do you accept agency or court funding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with child welfare agencies, family courts, and other funding sources to provide services to referred families. If you are a professional or agency interested in contracting with us, please contact us directly to discuss service agreements.

General Questions

Eligibility & Referrals

Supervised Visitation

Mentoring & Tutoring

Confidentiality & Privacy

Cost & Funding

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