Family Peer Support Services are an array of services and support systems provided to families raising a child or young adults up to age 21 who is experiencing social, emotional, addiction, or behavioral health challenges in their home, school, community and/or placement.
The purpose of this service is to support the parent/caregiver and enhance their skills so they can promote positive youth functioning and their child’s ability to live successfully in their community.
The purpose of this service is to support the parent/caregiver and enhance their skills so they can promote positive youth functioning and their child’s ability to live successfully in their community.

There are six categories of Family Peer Support Services. A Family Peer Advocate has the capacity to offer all six categories of service based on the individual needs and preferences of the family.
1. Outreach and Information
2. Engagement, Bridging and Transition Support
3. Self-Advocacy and Empowerment
4. Community Connections and Natural Supports
5. Parent Skill Development
6. Promoting Effective Family-Driven Practice
1. Outreach and Information
2. Engagement, Bridging and Transition Support
3. Self-Advocacy and Empowerment
4. Community Connections and Natural Supports
5. Parent Skill Development
6. Promoting Effective Family-Driven Practice
Credentialed Family Peer Advocates
Family Peer Support 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. This service provides a structured, strength-based relationship between a credentialed Family Peer Advocate and the parent/caregiver for the benefit of the child/youth.
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For more information on Family Support Services, please email one of our Credentialed Family Peer Advocates: Pat Vincent at PVincent@mhaedu.org or Charles Niven, LMSW at CNiven@mhaedu.org or call (607) 273-9250.