top of page

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

The National Federation of Families is the nationwide advocacy organization with families as its sole focus, playing an important role in helping parents, caregivers, and families and their loved ones whose lives are impacted by mental health and substance use disorders. This important work is supported largely by generous sponsors, supporters, and donors like you who contribute to our cause.

 

The NFF Conference is the premier event bringing together families, caregivers, the family peer workforce, community leaders, providers, partners, and legislators. Our annual conference generates a large amount of discussion on current challenges and trends pertaining to families and the health of their loved ones, from the perspective of a family-driven approach.

Our annual conference features many great workshops and speakers, joining hundreds of mental health and substance use advocates, family members, and professional from across the nation as we work to educate and advocate for families and their loved ones. 

Our conference offers families and the workforce who support them to:

​​

• Improve policy and enhance practices for families and their loved ones who have or are at risk of experiencing mental health and/or substance use disorders

• Acquire skills and strategies that will improve outcomes for families

• Gain knowledge of best practices and latest research in mental health, substance use and related fields as it pertains to families

• Enrich understanding of different perspectives and common goals in support of all families 

The 2024 conference, held in Orlando, FL, offered 97 great workshops featuring speakers representing 130 organizations from 44 states and Canada. Attendees included 723 family members, mental health and substance use prevention advocates and professionals working to support, educate, and empower families!

#Accept, Advocate, Act

Tracks for the 2025 Conference 

 

Fatherhood Initiatives

Topics will include a focus on fatherhood, dads as caregivers, and men as Family Peers, with an emphasis on families and their loved ones. The presenter must be able to explain how the attendees can apply the ideas and tools anywhere in the nation.

Supporting Families and their Loved Ones Through the Lifespan 

Topics in this track will include family engagement, navigating systems, developing authentic partnerships between families and providers, and the importance of understanding and accepting individuals who experience mental health and/or substance use disorders in all settings—homes, schools, community environments, the justice system, health care, and research. The presenter must be able to explain how the attendees can apply the ideas and tools anywhere in the nation.

Supporting families with Co-occurring Disorders

Proposals in this track should address evidence-based, practice-based, and community-relevant topics that help different groups of individuals understand, discuss, address, and prevent intersecting mental health and substance use disorders. Such groups include families, the workforce that supports families and their loved ones, family-run organizations, and communities. The presenter must be able to explain how the attendees can apply the ideas and tools anywhere in the nation.

Lessons from the Field  

Presentations in this track will highlight strategies and practices that are proving successful in supporting, educating, and engaging families and their loved ones of all ages. Innovations, collaborations, and lessons learned will inform participants. The presenter must be able to explain how the attendees can apply the ideas and tools anywhere in the nation.

 

Youth Workforce Development / Emerging Youth and Young Adult Leaders

Designing pathways for developing leadership skills and qualities in the next generation is essential. This can include programs, organizations, policies, and/or strategies that center youth voices, integrate and support youth as leaders, and promote sustainability by mentoring youth to take the reins on advocacy work. Presentations demonstrating Youth and Family Peers working in partnership to support families are particularly encouraged. The presenter must be able to explain how the attendees can apply the ideas and tools anywhere in the nation.

Workforce Development 

The focus of this track is the creation of a strong, healthy, and sustainable workforce to support families and their loved ones. Presentations that focus on peer support, supervising, hiring, retention, wages, peer drift, and moral injury and topics that are freshmen to senior level are encouraged. The presenter must be able to explain how the attendees can apply the ideas and tools anywhere in the nation. 

 

National Core Competencies  

Additionally, we are asking that each presenter indicate which of the National Core Competencies for Certified Family Peer Specialists that their presentation addresses and that will be indicated in the agenda for each session. 

  • Wellness and Resiliency 

  • Effecting Change and how this is applied nationally

  • Resources and Natural Supports  

  • Systems Knowledge and Navigation 

  • Professional Responsibilities 

©2023 National Federation of Families

CONTACT US

Phone: (240) 403-1901

Email: ffcmh@ffcmh.org

  • Facebook Clean
  • X
  • White LinkedIn Icon
  • White Pinterest Icon
bottom of page