Join us at the 2024 Annual Families Together Conference featuring keynote speaker Melanie Funchess, a seasoned advocate specializing in topics like implicit bias and cultural competence. Melanie's insights will inspire us to create more equitable communities. Register now to secure your spot. Don't forget to book your room at Albany Marriott by April 16th for special rates. Interested in exhibiting or sponsoring? Don't miss this opportunity to connect and grow with us!

We are providing transportation to and from the conference for registrants coming from New York City to the Albany Marriott. The 56-passenger coach will be departing Penn Station on May 4th, 2024 at 1:00 PM and returning to NYC on May 6th, 2024.

Reserve Your Seat

APRIL 2024

Are you a dedicated parent or caregiver in New York City, passionate about improving the mental and behavioral well-being of young individuals?

We invite you to join the Family Advisory Board. As a member, you'll play a crucial role in shaping policies, programs, and services offered by the New York State Office of Mental Health specifically tailored to meet the needs of children, youth, and families in our city. Your voice is important, and together, we can make a significant impact on countless lives. Apply now and contribute to building a brighter future for our community.

Apply Here

Families Together is hiring!

Families Together in New York State (FTNYS), in partnership with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), is seeking to employ a FPAs across the state to assist OCFS in developing policies and procedures that promote the voice of parents throughout the child welfare system.

Learn more & apply

Upcoming Events

FANS Basic Training

April 15, 16, 17 & 18, 2024

10:00AM-12:30PM

Learn more & register

Annual Conference

Sunday, May 5 & Monday, May 6, 2024

Learn more & register

FANS Technical Assistance Office Hours

Multiple Dates

Learn more

University of Youth Power

July 13-15, 2024

Registration coming soon.

Learn more & register

What's Great

In Our State

Save the date and join us on May 7, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM for What's Great In Our State, an in-person event that acknowledges the efforts of programs, organizations, teachers, caregivers, and young individuals across New York State who positively impact the social-emotional health and overall well-being of children.

Learn more & register

Family Empowerment Day a Smash Success!

Family Empowerment Day took place last month. Over two-hundred youth and family members from across the state bussed in to make their voice heard. Our members led speeches, our legislative allies spoke, and we marched through the capitol to push for budget items that will help New Yorkers!

Watch the video from Family Empowerment Day here!

Watch all the Virtual Townhalls Here!

There's Still Time for Budget Advocacy!

Last week, we sent out a message about many actions you could take to advocate for policies that will help New Yorkers. The good news is that the legislature and Governor's office have issued extenders and are still negotiating the final budget. That means there is even more time to make your voice heard!

Click here to take action now!

Our Issues in the News

Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month

April is Autism Awareness Month, and Families Together in New York State is proud to be part of the conversation. Our Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Kim Kaiser, contributed to the new PBS documentary "Understanding Autism." Filmmaker Scott Steindorff's journey to understand his autism sheds light on the spectrum's diversity. Kim's son, SPELLING, says: "There's no such thing as normal, just be who you are." This message of empowerment and resilience resonates deeply. We're committed to fostering understanding and support for autistic individuals and their families in New York State.

Watch 'Understanding Autism' here

Comprehensive ASD Resources in New York

New York State Department of Health - Early Intervention Program for Autism

Website: Early Intervention Program for Autism

New York State Education Department - Autism Resources

Website: Autism Resources

New York City Department of Education - Special Education Programs

Website: Special Education Programs

Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) - Public Benefit Resources for Autistic Adults in New York

Website: AANE Public Benefit Resources

Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) - Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board

Website: OPWDD Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board

UYP is a youth-led peer leadership conference that provides Youth Peer Advocates and change agents the opportunity to build skills and expand their professional network.

Young people 18 to 30 years old

can major in the following:

• Peer Advocacy

• Systems Advocacy

• Recovery Advocacy

Learn more & register

Submit your presentation

Call for submissions close April 19, 2024.

Apply here

Your Input is Needed for the Youth Power 2024 Priority Agenda

Share your insights and the things you are passionate about advocating for.

Provide Input

Youth Peers Meetings Are Here for You

Click to enlarge.

Feb-Aug 2024 registration

Become a Credentialed Family Peer Advocate (FPA-C)!

Family Peer Advocates have ‘lived-experience’ as the parent (biological, foster, adoptive) or primary caregiver of a child/youth with a social, emotional, behavioral, mental health, or developmental disability). They receive training to develop skills and strategies to empower and support other families. They foster effective parent-professional partnership and promote the practice of family-driven and youth-guided approaches.

Family Peer Support Brochure

Learn More

Become a Credentialed Youth Peer Advocate (YPA-C)!

Youth Peer Advocates are individuals between 18-30 years of age who self-identify as a person with first-hand experience with a social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges as a young person or have received services in any one of the child-serving systems (juvenile justice, foster care, special education, or addiction recovery). YPAs use their lived experience to promote resiliency, recovery, wellness, and self-efficacy in young people and promote the practice of youth-guided and family-driven approaches.

Youth Peer Support Brochure

Learn More

Credential Verification Tool for Youth and Family Peer Advocates

Do you know your

YPA or FPA credential expiration date?

Youth and Family Peer Advocates, their supervisors, and agencies can check the current status of any Provisional or Professional Credential using our online verification tools anytime!

YPA Credential Verification tool

FPA Credential Verification Tool

Job Board for Peer Support Professionals

Visit the National Association of Peer Support Professionals (N.A.P.S.) job board for peer support professionals seeking employment and employers seeking to hire peer support professionals in NYS and nationwide.

Learn More

Learn more

Are you a parent interested in engaging in more meaningful family activities? Participate in our paid research study!

Join Engaging Parents; Increasing Connection with Children [EPICC], a Temple University program aimed at helping parents with serious mental illness connect more meaningfully with their children. If you're 18 or older, have a diagnosis of schizophrenia-spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, or depression, and desire more meaningful family activities, you're invited! Participate in 3 research interviews and receive a $20 gift card per interview. Plus, access an online support program.

EMPOWERING FAMILIES. COORDINATING SYSTEMS.

737 Madison Avenue

Albany, NY 12208

Office Phone: 518.432.0333

Information Email: info@ftnys.org

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