A NATIONWIDE ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION

WITH FAMILIES AS ITS SOLE FOCUS

BRINGING LIVED EXPERIENCE TO FAMILY SUPPORT

WHAT WE DO

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ADVOCATE

Advocate at the national level for the rights of families who have children with emotional, behavioral, mental health and

substance use challenges -

across the lifespan.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Provide leadership and technical assistance to a nationwide network of family-run organizations.

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COLLABORATE

Collaborate with family-run and other child-serving organizations to transform mental health care in America.

FAMILY-DRIVEN APPROACH

Offer families a voice in the formation of national policy, services and supports for children with mental health needs

and their families.

POLICY

Develop and implement policies, legislation, funding mechanisms, and service systems that utilize the strengths of families.

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SUPPORT & RESOURCES

Provide families and professionals with resources to ensure the wellness of children, youth and young adults who have mental health and substance use challenges.

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NATIONAL CERTIFICATION

The Federation provides the only national certification for a family/parent peer workforce, known as

Certified Family Peer Specialists™, to provide support to other families who have children

with emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges.

THE NATIONAL FAMILY SUPPORT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (NFSTAC)

For technical assistance and training needs, please click the link below or email info@nfstac.org

Join Our Email List

Mental Health Information

Watch this powerful discussion about the importance of acceptance of mental health needs for children, youth and young adults that took place during Mental Health Month.

Click each slide for more information.

Learn more about the National Federation of Families

The National Federation of Families is a national family-run organization linking more than 120 chapters and state organizations focused on the issues of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs and their families. It was conceived in Arlington, Virginia in February, 1989 by a group of 18 people determined to make a difference in the way the system works. Read our full history here.

Recent Events

Webinar: The Role of Families in SAMHSA's Office of Recovery, February 2023

A SAMHSA-Sponsored webinar titled: “The Role of Families in SAMHSA’s Office of Recovery” presented on behalf of SAMHSA’s Office of Recovery with panelists, Paolo del Vecchio, Director, Dona Dmitrovic, Senior Advisor, Elizabeth Sweet, Public Health Advisor, and the National Federation of Families with moderator, Dr. Lynda Gargan, Executive Director.

Recording

Presentation Slides

Webinar: Family Engagement Strategies for Clinicians, April 2023

A SAMHSA-Sponsored webinar titled: “Family Engagement Strategies for Clinicians: Natural Support Involvement in Recovery Orientated Care & Planning with Dr. Lynda Gargan, Executive Director of the National Federation of Families, and Janis Tondora, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine.

Recording