|
Families Together in New York State (FTNYS) is seeking passionate individuals with lived experience for several positions across specific locations.
Family Policy Advisor
-
Help develop child welfare policies (Syracuse, Long Island, Statewide).
- More information about FPA Positions
- Each of these roles requires candidates to be based in the specific listed locations.
Youth Systems Engagement Specialist
| | If you would like to join this list serve and receive invites to future meetings, receive updates on current events, trainings/presentations and much more, please send an email to: Pam Brannan at pbrannan@ftnys.org or call 716-517-1905 | |
Western Region Family Peer Advocate Training & Networking Event
Save the date: September 30, 2025 at Batavia Downs Gaming, Batavia, NY. Join peers and advocates for training, workshops, and networking. $20 registration fee; parents, guardians, youth, and peers attend free. Breakfast and lunch included.
Questions? Contact Loretta Maldonado at 607-368-4418 or lmaldonado@aspirehope.org.
| Registration form must be printed and mailed with check. | | | |
Major Lawsuit Settlement: Children's Mental Health Services
A proposed settlement agreement in the class-action lawsuit C.K. v. McDonald has major implications for children’s mental health services in New York.
The lawsuit, filed in March 2022, alleged that New York Medicaid failed to provide required intensive home and community-based mental health services to children under 21, in violation of federal Medicaid law, the ADA, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The settlement does not award money damages but instead focuses on systemic reforms.
If approved, the agreement will require the state to:
| |
- Develop and deliver four core services statewide: Intensive Care Coordination (ICC), Intensive Home-Based Behavioral Health Services (IHBBHS), 24/7 Mobile Crisis Services, and Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver Services.
- Revise service standards, eligibility criteria, and access pathways.
- Regularly review reimbursement rates to ensure providers are available.
- Screen and assess children statewide, track system quality, and provide public data.
- Ensure services are available in the least restrictive settings, helping children stay in their homes and communities rather than face unnecessary institutionalization.
| | The court will hold a Fairness Hearing on January 6, 2026, where a judge will decide whether the settlement is “fair, reasonable, and adequate.” If approved, the agreement will be binding on all class members. For Families Together, this lawsuit represents not only a legal victory but also a powerful reinforcement of our ongoing advocacy to ensure access, equity, and accountability in children’s behavioral health services. The reforms outlined in the settlement mirror the changes we have long fought for, and we will continue pressing to make sure these commitments translate into real improvements for children and families across New York State | | |
Are you interested in growing your Family Peer or Youth Peer Program?
Check out a video series on programmatic and organizational growth and capacity building! This two-part series features five videos and resource handouts covering key practices like identifying funding sources, developing grants, and collaborating with community partners. You'll also learn about core principles of capacity building and peer leadership.
| | |
Honoring Hispanic Heritage and Mental Health
Each year from September 15 to October 15, the U.S. marks Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month. Beyond celebrating culture and history, this month also provides an opportunity to highlight resilience and wellness within Hispanic and Latinx families.
| | |
From a mental health perspective, it’s essential to recognize both the challenges, like stigma, economic stress, and discrimination, and the many solutions communities are building. Peer support, bilingual services, and grassroots organizing are creating spaces of healing that honor both culture and identity.
Framing Mental Health This Month:
· Celebrate resilience and lived experience.
· Lift-Up bilingual and culturally rooted resources.
· Pair data with human stories for deeper understanding.
| |
Recommended Further Reading:
• NYS Office of Mental Health – Spotlight on Latinx (2023)
Key data and recommendations on barriers, disparities, and culturally competent strategies for providers in New York State.
https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/cultural_competence/spotlight-on-latinx.pdf
• Mental Health America – Latine and Hispanic Mental Health: Challenges, Strengths, and Heroes (2024)
An overview of both barriers to care and sources of strength, highlighting resilience within Hispanic/Latine communities.
https://mhanational.org/resources/latine-hispanic-mental-health-challenges-strengths-and-heroes
• El País – Ni reprimir, ni rezar, ni traducir: Latinos en Nueva York crean cuidados de salud mental incluyentes (January 2025, Spanish)
Covers grassroots, bilingual, and inclusive mental health services created by and for Latinos in NYC.
https://elpais.com/us/2025-01-19/ni-reprimir-ni-rezar-ni-traducir-latinos-en-nueva-york-crean-cuidados-de-salud-mental-incluyentes.html
• Behavioral Health News / NAMI-NYC – Breaking Mental Health Stigma in the NYC Hispanic/Latino Community (April 2024)
Highlights peer support, storytelling, and community-based efforts to reduce stigma in NYC.
https://behavioralhealthnews.org/breaking-mental-health-stigma-in-the-nyc-hispanic-latino-community
| | |
NEW Lecture Series Coming Soon:
We’re launching a set of supportive workshops designed to help parents and caregivers feel more confident and equipped in everyday challenges.
| | | | |
YOUTH POWER DISCORD COMING SOON !!
Youth Power has officially joined Discord and is excited to launch this new space soon! Our server will be a place for young people to connect, share ideas, and build community in a safe and supportive environment. Stay tuned for more details on how to join and be part of the conversation.
What is Discord?
Discord is a free communication platform that allows people to connect through text, voice, and video. While it began in the gaming world, it has grown into a versatile tool used by communities, organizations, and youth groups to build connections, share resources, and host discussions. Users join “servers,” which serve as organized spaces for ongoing conversations and community engagement.
| | | Click each social media application to access our page! | | | | |
737 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12208
Office Phone: 518.432.0333
Information Email: info@ftnys.org
| | | | |
