FAMILY, PARENT AND CAREGIVER PEER SUPPORT IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Provided by a grant through the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Wyandot counties
WE
CAN
HELP!
WHAT IS PEER SUPPORT FOR PARENTS AND OTHER CAREGIVERS?
Parent peer support, also commonly called family peer support or family support services, offers hope, guidance, advocacy, and camaraderie for parents and caregivers of children and youth receiving services from menal health, substance use, and related service systems.
Parent support providers deliver peer support through face-to-face support groups, phone calls, or individual meetings. They bring expertise based on their own experience parenting children or youth with social, emotional, behavioral, or substance use challenges, as well as specialized training, to support other parents and caregivers.
PARENT SUPPORT PROVIDERS
OFFER:
Concrete support,
Emotional connection
of people who have "been there"
Informational & educational support
such as help arranging child care or transportation
Support for parents
as they develop positive approaches and methods for addressing their family's day-to-day needs, including their own needs for self-care
Living proof
of resilience and recovery
on systems and strategies
Parent support providers are also known as parent support professionals, navigators, mentors, family partners, parent partners, and parent support specialists. Parent support providers offer a wide range of assistance and support, depending on the settings in which they work and the needs of the families they serve.
COMMON SERVICES INCLUDE:
Parent training and education to increase knowledge and skills
Individualized support to help parents understand their children's needs and access natural supports
Support Groups
Information and referrals
System navigation to assist a family in finding or accessing resources
Intensive family support during periods of crisis
Specialized supports for families experiencing challenges with systems such as child welfare, juvenile courts, or schools
Social activities and events to bring families together, raise awareness, or offer educational opportunities