Families as Allies

Drop In Family Support Time
2023-12-07 12:00, 2024-01-04 12:00, 2024-02-01 12:00, 2024-03-07 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-04-04 12:00 (America/Chicago)
This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to share any concerns or get feedback from others about handling different situations. We ask anyone who stops by to respect the confidentiality of the group and not share anything discussed in the group outside of the group.
Does your school ever call and ask you to come pick up your child who has an IEP because your child is upset?
Has the school told you to take your child for an evaluation and not bring them back to school until you get an evaluation?
Do you ever wonder if your child needs an IEP? Does your child have an IEP and you wonder whether or not it is working?
If you said yes to any of these questions, or you have other questions about things going on in your child’s school, then come join us.
Register here >>

State of Overdoses in Mississippi
2023-12-12 09:00 - 11:00
9:00 am – 10:00 am | State of Overdoses in Mississippi | Speaker: Stacy Miller
10:00M – 11:00am | Narcan Training | Speaker: Charlette Bryant

Stacey Miller with the CDC Foundation will be presenting at the Free training session on State of Overdoses in Mississippi.
.
Learn about:
The number of overdoses in MS and in which regions of the state these incidents occur.
National emerging drugs that are or may soon impact drug overdoses in Mississippi
National best practice strategies for overdose prevention

As an added bonus, Charlotte Bryant will provide a presentation on Narcan Training from 10am to 11 am. Ms Bryant will discuss the use of Narcan and provide a video demo.
Continuing Education hours are available for the following credentials: DMH Certified Peer Support Specialist, DMH Addictions Therapist, DMH Community Support Specialist, DMH Mental Health Therapist, Licensed DMH Administrator and DMH IDD Therapist. If your credential is not listed, an Attendance Certificate can be provided upon request.

Location: Virtually via Zoom.

Questions or additional information: Sandra Morrison at mhatraining1@gmail.com
Register here >>

Peer Support Training
2024-01-08 - 2024-01-14
Are you a parent or caregiver raising or raising a child aged 0-21 who has mental health or behavioral health challenges? Would you like to use your lived experience to help another parent who is on the same journey?

Then being a parent peer supporter may be for you!

What is Parent Peer Support? Parent peer support is a parent/caregiver or using their lived experience to support another parent/caregiver who is going through similar experiences.

Who Can Be a Parent Peer Supporter? A parent peer supporter is a biological parent, adoptive parent, or caregiver with legal custody who is currently raising or has raised a child with these characteristics:

The child is currently between the ages of 0-21 or was when they first began having challenges.
The child has an emotional, social, behavioral or substance use disability.
The child received services in or navigated the mental health or a related system (for example, a child with an IEP related to behavior issues at school).

How Do I Become a Parent Peer Supporter? The Department of Mental Health certifies parent peer supporters in the mental health system.
Upcoming training:

January 8-14, 2024 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: December 4, 2023)
March 18-22, 2024 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: February 16, 2024)
May 13-17, 2024 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: April 12, 2024)

Click here for the application packet.

Who Should Take the Training?
Any parent or caregiver who is raising a child who has challenges and:

Is interested in working for a community mental health center or another agency certified by the Department of Mental Health. Completing the training does not guarantee you a job, but it helps ensure you’ll be ready for one.
Is interested in doing part-time contractual work for Families as Allies. We are building our pool of contractual employees.
Supports parents in any system. This training will strengthen your skills and help you network with other parent peer supporters.
Would like to learn how to support other parents in the same shoes in any child-serving system. We currently have funds to pay training stipends to parents who are—or have been—involved in the youth court system and would like to learn how to support other parents going through the same thing. Contact us at 601-355-0915 or info@faams.org to learn more.

Early Intervention: Due Process
2024-02-22 10:00 - 10:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
This training will cover due process complaints and due process hearings for agencies that have adopted IDEA Part C procedures.
Learn the IDEA Part C procedures that affect timelines, time limits, and other requirements for due process complaints. Join us and find out the requirements your state follows.
Register here>>

Peer Support Training
2024-03-18 - 2024-03-22, 2024-05-13 - 2024-05-17
Are you a parent or caregiver raising or raising a child aged 0-21 who has mental health or behavioral health challenges? Would you like to use your lived experience to help another parent who is on the same journey?

Then being a parent peer supporter may be for you!

What is Parent Peer Support? Parent peer support is a parent/caregiver or using their lived experience to support another parent/caregiver who is going through similar experiences.

Who Can Be a Parent Peer Supporter? A parent peer supporter is a biological parent, adoptive parent, or caregiver with legal custody who is currently raising or has raised a child with these characteristics:

The child is currently between the ages of 0-21 or was when they first began having challenges.
The child has an emotional, social, behavioral or substance use disability.
The child received services in or navigated the mental health or a related system (for example, a child with an IEP related to behavior issues at school).

How Do I Become a Parent Peer Supporter? The Department of Mental Health certifies parent peer supporters in the mental health system.
Upcoming training:

March 18-22, 2024 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: February 16, 2024)
May 13-17, 2024 – Virtual Training (Application Deadline: April 12, 2024)

Click here for the application packet.

Who Should Take the Training?
Any parent or caregiver who is raising a child who has challenges and:

Is interested in working for a community mental health center or another agency certified by the Department of Mental Health. Completing the training does not guarantee you a job, but it helps ensure you’ll be ready for one.
Is interested in doing part-time contractual work for Families as Allies. We are building our pool of contractual employees.
Supports parents in any system. This training will strengthen your skills and help you network with other parent peer supporters.
Would like to learn how to support other parents in the same shoes in any child-serving system. We currently have funds to pay training stipends to parents who are—or have been—involved in the youth court system and would like to learn how to support other parents going through the same thing. Contact us at 601-355-0915 or info@faams.org to learn more.

Positive Solutions for Families: Tips for Families of Younger Children with Challenging Behavior
2024-04-23 12:00 - 12:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Has life with your young child become filled with conflict and confusion? Does it seem as if the simplest activity can quickly turn into disaster when your child’s behavior is out of control? You are not alone! Many, if not most, parents find themselves struggling with behavior at some point. The good news is that there are evidence-based, effective strategies (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports -PBIS) that you can use to create POSITIVE and LASTING solutions for your family. JOIN US!
Register here>>

Recognizing and Responding to Signs of Family Stress
2024-05-08 12:00 - 16:00
Strong Families
This training will help participants recognize early signs of family stress and become more aware of their own stress
Register here>>

Introduction to Work: Laws and Disability
2024-05-14 11:00 - 12:00
Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities
Preparing for work is a big step in any youth’s journey to adulthood. For youth with disabilities and their families this is often a time filed with questions, challenges and uncertainty. Join us for a four part Introduction to Work series. In session two we’ll discuss information to help parents, youth and professionals understand the laws related to employment for individuals with disabilities.
Register here>>

2024 System of Care Virtual Summit: All Systems Go! Taking Action Together
2024-05-14 11:00 - 2024-05-16 16:00
The National Center for Training and Technical Assistance on Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health (NTTAC)
The National Center for Training and Technical Assistance on Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health (NTTAC) is pleased to announce a free virtual System of Care Summit (SOC Summit) on May 14-16, 2024. Each day, no-cost continuing education hours will be available.
The SOC Summit is an opportunity for all children’s mental health partners to reunite, renew, and re-energize their efforts to support children and young people with behavioral health needs and their families.
Our virtual doors are open to anyone invested in the mental health and wellness of children, youth, and families. We understand that attending the entire summit might not be feasible because life and work schedules can be busy and unpredictable. If you can only participate in a few sessions, that’s okay!
Register here>>
El Centro Nacional de Capacitación y Soporte Técnico para la Salud Mental Infantil, Juvenil y Familiar (NTTAC) se complace en anunciar la cumbre virtual gratuita del Sistema de Atención Coordinada (la Cumbre del SOC), que se llevará a cabo del 14 al 16 de mayo de 2024. Se ofrecerán horas de educación continua gratuitas cada día.
La Cumbre del SOC es una oportunidad para que todos los colaboradores en el ámbito de la salud mental infantil se reúnan, renueven y revitalicen sus esfuerzos para apoyar a niños y jóvenes con necesidades de salud conductual, y también a sus familias.
Nuestras puertas virtuales están abiertas para todos aquellos que estén comprometidos con la salud mental y el bienestar de niños, jóvenes y familias.
Regístrese a la Cumbre del SOC AQUÍ >>

Teaming and Collaborating Part 2: Family Members Working with Other Team Members
2024-06-11 10:30 - 11:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
The quality of relationships and interactions between parents and professionals on IFSP or IEP teams affects the team’s success in achieving desired outcomes for the child. Join us to learn how to to work with parents and/or professionals in ways that will assist with communication and conflict resolution.
Register here>>

Community Outreach and Engagement Training
2024-06-22 10:00 - 11:00
Families as Allies
Families as Allies is training interested parents and caregivers to help with outreach in communities across MS. These trainings will focus on outreach at conferences and events, presenting to community groups about FAA, and supporting families with school and other types of meetings within communities.
Our second training will focus on how to give a basic talk in the community about FAA and is scheduled for June 22 from 10 am to 11 a.m. via zoom. We will pay a training stipend to parents and caregivers who attend. You can register at this link. If you have questions, please contact Jackie Taylor at 601-519-4161.
Register here>>

Virtual NAMI Peer-to-Peer (NAMI Central Mississippi)
2024-06-22 10:00 - 12:00
NAMI
NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, 8-session educational program for adults with mental illness who are looking to better understand their condition and journey toward recovery. Taught by a trained team of people who’ve been there, the program includes presentations, discussions, and interactive exercises. Specific dates will be provided, but sessions will be held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
This virtual group experience provides the opportunity for mutual support and positive impact. You can experience compassion and reinforcement from people who relate to your experiences. Through your participation, you have the chance to help others grow. This is a confidential place to learn from shared experiences in an environment of sincere, uncritical acceptance. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope for all people living with mental illness.
Register here>>

Project SEARCH: What's Happening in Mississippi
2024-07-23 11:30 - 12:30
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
The Project SEARCH Program is a unique, business-led, nine-month employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace. Up to 12 students with disabilities experience total workplace immersion, classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through three different worksite rotations. The goal for each participant is competitive employment. To reach that goal, the program provides real-life work experience combined with training in employability and independent-living skills to help young people with significant disabilities make successful transitions to productive adult life.
274 individuals with disabilities have graduated from Project SEARCH Mississippi since Project SEARCH UMMC launched in August 2018. 162 of those individuals have gained employment. There are 53 graduates currently seeking employment. Mississippi currently has 28 Project SEARCH sites across the state. Over 200 interns will be participating in Project SEARCH beginning in August, 2024.
Register here>>

BUILDING BETTER BEHAVIORS - MTSS PBIS Tier 1 Training
2024-09-11 08:00 - 16:00
REACH MS – The University of Southern Mississippi
Are you ready to take your MTSS PBIS to the next level? If so, join Reach MS for their MTSS PBIS Tier 1 Training!
This training will help you build the necessary systems to provide positive behavioral interventions and supports including data analysis, behavioral expectations and rules, teaching appropriate behavior, reinforcement systems, and more. Reach MS’s training is specially designed to align with Mississippi’s essential components of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. It is perfect for school-based teams including school administrators, general education teachers, special education teachers, behavioral specialists, and family members. CEUs (1.3), SEMIs (10), OSLs (1), and Contact Hours (13) are available.
When:
Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where:
Lifelong Learning/R&D Center
3825 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39211
Register now and let’s work together to create a positive and safe learning environment for your school through PBIS! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We look forward to having you in the training!
The REACH MS Team
reachms@usm.edu
Register here>>

Independence, Here We Come!
2024-10-03 12:00 - 13:00
Mississippi Parent Training & Information Center Project
Preparing for independent living is an exciting time in any youth’s journey towards adulthood. For youth with disabilities and their families, this is a time filled with questions and challenges. Join us as we explore a skills checklist to help parents and youth know where they are and what they need to work on in their journey to independent living. We will talk about the importance of self-advocacy and what families/parents can do to help youth and young adults with planning for the future.
Register here>>

Understanding the Law: Special Education
2024-10-16 10:00 - 15:00
William Carey University School of Education
Educators and administrators struggle with the ever-changing dynamics of special education requirements. The Carey Institute for Excellence is hosting a one-day seminar on October 16, with attorney Ms. KaShonda Day, an experienced educational law practitioner. She will be joined by school psychologist, Dr. Sarah Seabrook.
This seminar was designed specifically for school administrators, board members, special education directors, case managers, lead teachers, etc., who face day-to-day mitigation of risks for students with special needs. A portion of the seminar will include a Q & A session specifically for participants.
This is scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, from 9 am until 3 pm, at the Hattiesburg Train Depot. The cost is $75 with lunch provided. Registration and fees must be confirmed by October 9 for registration to be held due to limited capacity.
Register here>>

Parent Caregiver Peer Support
2025-05-12 - 2025-05-16
Are you a parent or caregiver raising a child aged 0-21 who has mental health or behavioral health challenges? Would you like to use your lived experience to help another parent on the same journey?

Then, being a parent peer supporter may be for you!

What is Parent-Peer Support? Parent-peer support is when a parent or caregiver uses their lived experience to support another parent or caregiver who is going through similar experiences.

Who Can Be a Parent Peer Supporter? A parent-peer supporter is a biological parent, adoptive parent, or caregiver with legal custody who is currently raising or has raised a child with these characteristics:

The child is currently between the ages of 0-21, or was when they first began having challenges.
The child has an emotional, social, behavioral, or substance use disability.
The child received services in or navigated the mental health or a related system (for example, a child with an IEP related to behavior issues at school).

How Do I Become a Parent Peer Supporter? The Department of Mental Health certifies parent-peer supporters in the mental health system.
Upcoming training:

May 12-16, 2025

Click here for the application packet.

Who Should Take the Training?
Any parent or caregiver who is raising a child who has challenges and:

Is interested in working for a community mental health center or another agency certified by the Department of Mental Health. Completing the training does not guarantee you a job, but it helps ensure you’ll be ready for one.
Is interested in doing part-time contractual work for Families as Allies. We are building our pool of contractual employees.
Supports parents in any system. This training will strengthen your skills and help you network with other parent-peer supporters.
Would like to learn how to support other parents in the same shoes in any child-serving system. We currently have funds to pay training stipends to parents who are—or have been—involved in the youth court system and would like to learn how to support other parents going through the same thing. Contact us at 601-355-0915 or info@faams.org to learn more.

Can’t make this Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Training?
Our upcoming training dates are below:

July 14-18, 2025
September 15-19, 2025
November 17-21, 2025
January 12-16, 2026
March 16-20, 2026
May 11-15. 2026

Parent Caregiver Peer Support
2025-07-14 - 2025-07-18
Are you a parent or caregiver raising a child aged 0-21 who has mental health or behavioral health challenges? Would you like to use your lived experience to help another parent on the same journey?

Then, being a parent peer supporter may be for you!

What is Parent-Peer Support? Parent-peer support is when a parent or caregiver uses their lived experience to support another parent or caregiver who is going through similar experiences.

Who Can Be a Parent Peer Supporter? A parent-peer supporter is a biological parent, adoptive parent, or caregiver with legal custody who is currently raising or has raised a child with these characteristics:

The child is currently between the ages of 0-21, or was when they first began having challenges.
The child has an emotional, social, behavioral, or substance use disability.
The child received services in or navigated the mental health or a related system (for example, a child with an IEP related to behavior issues at school).

How Do I Become a Parent Peer Supporter? The Department of Mental Health certifies parent-peer supporters in the mental health system.
Upcoming training:

July 14-18, 2025

Click here for the application packet.

Who Should Take the Training?
Any parent or caregiver who is raising a child who has challenges and:

Is interested in working for a community mental health center or another agency certified by the Department of Mental Health. Completing the training does not guarantee you a job, but it helps ensure you’ll be ready for one.
Is interested in doing part-time contractual work for Families as Allies. We are building our pool of contractual employees.
Supports parents in any system. This training will strengthen your skills and help you network with other parent-peer supporters.
Would like to learn how to support other parents in the same shoes in any child-serving system. We currently have funds to pay training stipends to parents who are—or have been—involved in the youth court system and would like to learn how to support other parents going through the same thing. Contact us at 601-355-0915 or info@faams.org to learn more.

Can’t make this Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Training?
Our upcoming training dates are below:

September 15-19, 2025
November 17-21, 2025
January 12-16, 2026
March 16-20, 2026
May 11-15. 2026

The Story Behind Caiden's Corner: Turning a Diagnosis Into a Movement
2025-08-28 10:00 - 11:00
MSPTI
This session is a raw, real look at how one autism diagnosis flipped everything I knew upside down and sparked a mission to make sure no other family ever feels alone on this journey. I’ll share the behind-the-scenes story of starting Caiden’s Corner, how we’re building support systems for families across Mississippi, and what we’ve learned about advocacy, grief, grit, and community along the way.
Register here>>

Parent Caregiver Peer Support
2025-09-15 - 2025-09-19
Are you a parent or caregiver raising a child aged 0-21 who has mental health or behavioral health challenges? Would you like to use your lived experience to help another parent on the same journey?

Then, being a parent peer supporter may be for you!

What is Parent-Peer Support? Parent-peer support is when a parent or caregiver uses their lived experience to support another parent or caregiver who is going through similar experiences.

Who Can Be a Parent Peer Supporter? A parent-peer supporter is a biological parent, adoptive parent, or caregiver with legal custody who is currently raising or has raised a child with these characteristics:

The child is currently between the ages of 0-21, or was when they first began having challenges.
The child has an emotional, social, behavioral, or substance use disability.
The child received services in or navigated the mental health or a related system (for example, a child with an IEP related to behavior issues at school).

How Do I Become a Parent Peer Supporter? The Department of Mental Health certifies parent-peer supporters in the mental health system.
Upcoming training:

September 15-19, 2025

Click here for the application packet.

Who Should Take the Training?
Any parent or caregiver who is raising a child who has challenges and:

Is interested in working for a community mental health center or another agency certified by the Department of Mental Health. Completing the training does not guarantee you a job, but it helps ensure you’ll be ready for one.
Is interested in doing part-time contractual work for Families as Allies. We are building our pool of contractual employees.
Supports parents in any system. This training will strengthen your skills and help you network with other parent-peer supporters.
Would like to learn how to support other parents in the same shoes in any child-serving system. We currently have funds to pay training stipends to parents who are—or have been—involved in the youth court system and would like to learn how to support other parents going through the same thing. Contact us at 601-355-0915 or info@faams.org to learn more.

Can’t make this Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Training?
Our upcoming training dates are below:

November 17-21, 2025
January 12-16, 2026
March 16-20, 2026
May 11-15. 2026

Parent Caregiver Peer Support
2025-11-17 - 2025-11-21
Are you a parent or caregiver raising a child aged 0-21 who has mental health or behavioral health challenges? Would you like to use your lived experience to help another parent on the same journey?

Then, being a parent peer supporter may be for you!

What is Parent-Peer Support? Parent-peer support is when a parent or caregiver uses their lived experience to support another parent or caregiver who is going through similar experiences.

Who Can Be a Parent Peer Supporter? A parent-peer supporter is a biological parent, adoptive parent, or caregiver with legal custody who is currently raising or has raised a child with these characteristics:

The child is currently between the ages of 0-21, or was when they first began having challenges.
The child has an emotional, social, behavioral, or substance use disability.
The child received services in or navigated the mental health or a related system (for example, a child with an IEP related to behavior issues at school).

How Do I Become a Parent Peer Supporter? The Department of Mental Health certifies parent-peer supporters in the mental health system.
Upcoming training:

November 17-21, 2025

Click here for the application packet.

Who Should Take the Training?
Any parent or caregiver who is raising a child who has challenges and:

Is interested in working for a community mental health center or another agency certified by the Department of Mental Health. Completing the training does not guarantee you a job, but it helps ensure you’ll be ready for one.
Is interested in doing part-time contractual work for Families as Allies. We are building our pool of contractual employees.
Supports parents in any system. This training will strengthen your skills and help you network with other parent-peer supporters.
Would like to learn how to support other parents in the same shoes in any child-serving system. We currently have funds to pay training stipends to parents who are—or have been—involved in the youth court system and would like to learn how to support other parents going through the same thing. Contact us at 601-355-0915 or info@faams.org to learn more.

Can’t make this Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Training?
Our upcoming training dates are below:

January 12-16, 2026
March 16-20, 2026
May 11-15. 2026

Parent Caregiver Peer Support
2026-01-12 - 2026-01-16
Are you a parent or caregiver raising a child aged 0-21 who has mental health or behavioral health challenges? Would you like to use your lived experience to help another parent on the same journey?

Then, being a parent peer supporter may be for you!

What is Parent-Peer Support? Parent-peer support is when a parent or caregiver uses their lived experience to support another parent or caregiver who is going through similar experiences.

Who Can Be a Parent Peer Supporter? A parent-peer supporter is a biological parent, adoptive parent, or caregiver with legal custody who is currently raising or has raised a child with these characteristics:

The child is currently between the ages of 0-21, or was when they first began having challenges.
The child has an emotional, social, behavioral, or substance use disability.
The child received services in or navigated the mental health or a related system (for example, a child with an IEP related to behavior issues at school).

How Do I Become a Parent Peer Supporter? The Department of Mental Health certifies parent-peer supporters in the mental health system.
Upcoming training:

January 12-16, 2026

Click here for the application packet.

Who Should Take the Training?
Any parent or caregiver who is raising a child who has challenges and:

Is interested in working for a community mental health center or another agency certified by the Department of Mental Health. Completing the training does not guarantee you a job, but it helps ensure you’ll be ready for one.
Is interested in doing part-time contractual work for Families as Allies. We are building our pool of contractual employees.
Supports parents in any system. This training will strengthen your skills and help you network with other parent-peer supporters.
Would like to learn how to support other parents in the same shoes in any child-serving system. We currently have funds to pay training stipends to parents who are—or have been—involved in the youth court system and would like to learn how to support other parents going through the same thing. Contact us at 601-355-0915 or info@faams.org to learn more.

Can’t make this Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Training?
Our upcoming training dates are below:

March 16-20, 2026
May 11-15. 2026

Parent Caregiver Peer Support
2026-03-16 - 2026-03-20
Are you a parent or caregiver raising a child aged 0-21 who has mental health or behavioral health challenges? Would you like to use your lived experience to help another parent on the same journey?

Then, being a parent peer supporter may be for you!

What is Parent-Peer Support? Parent-peer support is when a parent or caregiver uses their lived experience to support another parent or caregiver who is going through similar experiences.

Who Can Be a Parent Peer Supporter? A parent-peer supporter is a biological parent, adoptive parent, or caregiver with legal custody who is currently raising or has raised a child with these characteristics:

The child is currently between the ages of 0-21, or was when they first began having challenges.
The child has an emotional, social, behavioral, or substance use disability.
The child received services in or navigated the mental health or a related system (for example, a child with an IEP related to behavior issues at school).

How Do I Become a Parent Peer Supporter? The Department of Mental Health certifies parent-peer supporters in the mental health system.
Upcoming training:

March 16-20, 2026

Click here for the application packet.

Who Should Take the Training?
Any parent or caregiver who is raising a child who has challenges and:

Is interested in working for a community mental health center or another agency certified by the Department of Mental Health. Completing the training does not guarantee you a job, but it helps ensure you’ll be ready for one.
Is interested in doing part-time contractual work for Families as Allies. We are building our pool of contractual employees.
Supports parents in any system. This training will strengthen your skills and help you network with other parent-peer supporters.
Would like to learn how to support other parents in the same shoes in any child-serving system. We currently have funds to pay training stipends to parents who are—or have been—involved in the youth court system and would like to learn how to support other parents going through the same thing. Contact us at 601-355-0915 or info@faams.org to learn more.

Can’t make this Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Training?
Our upcoming training date are below:

May 11-15. 2026

Parent Caregiver Peer Support
2026-05-11 - 2026-05-15
Are you a parent or caregiver raising a child aged 0-21 who has mental health or behavioral health challenges? Would you like to use your lived experience to help another parent on the same journey?

Then, being a parent peer supporter may be for you!

What is Parent-Peer Support? Parent-peer support is when a parent or caregiver uses their lived experience to support another parent or caregiver who is going through similar experiences.

Who Can Be a Parent Peer Supporter? A parent-peer supporter is a biological parent, adoptive parent, or caregiver with legal custody who is currently raising or has raised a child with these characteristics:

The child is currently between the ages of 0-21, or was when they first began having challenges.
The child has an emotional, social, behavioral, or substance use disability.
The child received services in or navigated the mental health or a related system (for example, a child with an IEP related to behavior issues at school).

How Do I Become a Parent Peer Supporter? The Department of Mental Health certifies parent-peer supporters in the mental health system.
Upcoming training:

May 11-15, 2026

Click here for the application packet.

Who Should Take the Training?
Any parent or caregiver who is raising a child who has challenges and:

Is interested in working for a community mental health center or another agency certified by the Department of Mental Health. Completing the training does not guarantee you a job, but it helps ensure you’ll be ready for one.
Is interested in doing part-time contractual work for Families as Allies. We are building our pool of contractual employees.
Supports parents in any system. This training will strengthen your skills and help you network with other parent-peer supporters.
Would like to learn how to support other parents in the same shoes in any child-serving system. We currently have funds to pay training stipends to parents who are—or have been—involved in the youth court system and would like to learn how to support other parents going through the same thing. Contact us at 601-355-0915 or info@faams.org to learn more.
