Expanded Family Peer Support Definition - For Families

The National Federation of Families is working to update the definition of Family Peer Support to better reflect the needs of families today. This includes recognizing that our loved ones who experience mental health and/or substance use challenges may need support across their lifespan AND that the care and support provided for our loved ones often extends beyond parents or caregivers - to other family members (siblings, children, grandparents, etc.)
 
To that end, below is the current definition of Family Peer Support and the newly proposed, expanded definition. Note the bolded addition in the new definition which represents family members other than parents who may serve as primary caregivers during a loved one's lifetime. With this purpose in mind, please answer the following two survey questions as it pertains to your role as family member. We thank you for your time and input.
 
Current Definition: Family Peer Specialists can articulate lessons learned from their own lived experience parenting a child and have specialized training to assist and empower families/caregivers who are parenting children—across the lifespan—who experience mental health and/or substance use challenges. They partner with child, family, and adult-serving systems to improve family outcomes and strive to eliminate prejudice and discrimination.​​
 
Proposed, Expanded Definition: Family Peer Specialists can articulate lessons learned from their own lived experience parenting a child and have specialized training to assist and empower families/caregivers who are parenting children—across the lifespan—or primary caregivers of a family member who experiences mental health and/or substance use challenges. They partner with child, family, and adult-serving systems to improve family outcomes and strive to eliminate prejudice and discrimination.​