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