Family Support Services
Family Support Services provide encouragement, guidance, and practical help for parents and caregivers supporting a youth with mental health or behavioral challenges.
Services are provided by a Certified Family Support Partner (CFSP)—someone who has their own lived experience supporting a child with similar challenges.
A Family Support Partner walks beside families, helping them build confidence, navigate services, and develop a strong support system.
Services are non-clinical and may be provided in person or via telehealth in settings chosen by the family, including home, community, or agency locations.
Who Family Support Is For
Parents or caregivers of youth or young adults age 21 or younger who are experiencing mental health or co-occurring challenges.
Family Support can help caregivers who want to:
- Connect with someone who understands their experience
- Build confidence advocating for their child
- Learn strategies for supporting their child’s recovery
- Reduce stress and isolation
- Develop a network of support
What a Family Support Partner Can Help With
Hope & encouragement
- Sharing lived experience as a caregiver
- Helping families feel understood and supported
Advocacy
- Learning how to communicate needs and navigate systems
- Preparing for meetings with providers or schools
Goal setting
- Identifying family priorities and goals
- Developing practical steps forward
Resource navigation
- Community supports
- Parent support groups
- Education and advocacy resources
Connection
- Helping families build supportive networks
- Reducing isolation through shared experiences
Collaboration
- Coordinating with service providers when appropriate
How It Works
Introduction & fit
The Family Support Partner explains the service and ensures the caregiver chooses to participate.
Setting goals
Within the first month, families identify goals related to their child’s wellness and family needs.
Ongoing support
Regular meetings provide encouragement, problem-solving, and connection to resources.
Collaboration
With permission, the Family Support Partner may coordinate with other professionals supporting the child.
Groups
Family Support may also be offered in peer groups for parents and caregivers, providing opportunities to:
- Share experiences with other families
- Learn from others facing similar challenges
- Build community support
- Develop new strategies and confidence
Groups are non-clinical and peer-led.
Boundaries & Safety
Family Support Services are non-clinical and do not replace therapy or medical services.
If you are experiencing a crisis, call 911 or 988.
Access & Scheduling
- Available in person or via telehealth
- Services may occur at home, in the community, or in an agency setting
- Medicaid and other funding options may be available
- Provider referrals and self-referrals are accepted
Contact us to learn more.
Family Support Services in Boise & Nampa
Access Behavioral Health Services offers Family Support Services to parents and caregivers across Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, and the Treasure Valley. Our Certified Family Support Partners draw on their own lived experience to help families of youth age 21 or younger build confidence, navigate services, and strengthen their support system.
Getting Started
Call (208) 338-4699 to learn whether Family Support is a fit for your family, or dial (208) 338-4699 ext 12 to reach our referral line. Medicaid and other funding options may be available.
New families can complete our minor intake paperwork to get started.
Have a question or referral? Use our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can receive Family Support Services?
Parents and caregivers of youth or young adults age 21 or younger who are experiencing mental health or co-occurring challenges.
Is Family Support the same as therapy?
No. Family Support is non-clinical and complements therapy and other mental health services rather than replacing them.