Family Peer Support Services

Mother hugging her daughter

What is Family Peer Support?

MHA’s Family Peer Support services provides services and support to parents/caregivers raising children or young adults up to age 21 who are experiencing social, emotional, addiction, or behavioral health challenges. These services are provided by a trained and credentialed Family Peer Advocate (FPA) who is uniquely qualified to work with families based on his/her personal experience parenting a child with similar needs and the specialized training they receive. Services we offer include:

  1. Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS)

  2. CarePath ™ Program

  3. Mental Health Community Partners (MHCP)

For more information contact our Family Peer Services Coordinator, Vickie VanCamp at vvanCamp@mhaedu.org or call (607) 273-9250. 

Hands together in a circle

How Can a Family Peer Advocate Help?

  • Assist you in implementing an individualized family support plan taking into account your family’s values and culture.

  • Provide information regarding various child-serving systems.

  • Empower you to advocate for your child’s needs.

  • Help you to build skills within the family for the benefit of your child.

  • Stand with you at school meetings, treatment meetings or court hearings.

  • Provide opportunities for families to connect and support one another.

Family in a discussion

Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS)

MHATC offers two types of CFTSS, Family Peer Support Services and Psychosocial Rehabilitation

Family Peer Support Services (FPSS) provides a structured, strength-based relationship between a Family Peer Advocate (FPA) and the parent/caregiver for the benefit of the child. They can provide support and assistance with:     

  • Locating and utilizing resources to meet the youth/family’s needs.

  • Making informed decisions.     

  • Building and strengthening natural supports.

Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services (PSR) are designed to restore, rehabilitate and support a youth as an active and productive member of their family and community. These services can help participants:

  • Build relationships and communicate better with family, friends and others.   

  • Learn self-care, and use coping skills to manage emotions.

What is a Family Peer Advocate?

A New York State Credentialed Family Peer Advocate (FPA) delivers Family Peer Support Services for families whose children have been involved in many systems including mental health, addiction, special education, juvenile justice and child welfare. Family Peer Advocates have lived experience as a parent or primary caregiver who has navigated these multiple child serving systems on behalf of their child(ren).

Families Together administers the New York State Family Peer Advocate Credential. The establishment of the FPA Credential recognizes the importance of family-to-family support. The intent of this credentialing process is to formally recognize the expertise of the Family Peer Advocates to ensure all advocates demonstrate core compentencies, to expand reimbursement possibilities and to provide opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.

Learn more at FPA Credential