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Learn more about how we can support you!
NFSTAC provides innovative, flexible technical assistance and training that is responsive to the families whose children
– of all ages – experience mental health and/or substance use challenges and the providers and communities that support them. We believe families play a vital role in supporting their loved ones and are the experts regarding how best to support their family. Anchored in that belief, the technical Assistance (TA) we provide is designed to expand the art and science of support for caregivers, families, the family support workforce.
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Time-Limited, Targeted Technical Assistance (TA)
We provide TA designed to have a long-lasting impact on family-run and community organizations nationwide. Our TA helps organizations build capacity and improve support provided for families through the lifespan in the areas of mental health, substance use and addiction. TA is tailored to the unique needs of each organization and typically includes topics such as increasing family engagement, program consultation, and workforce development. We invite you to learn more and to submit a TA request here.
Webinars and Virtual Trainings
NFSTAC hosts webinars and virtual trainings on topics related to supporting families with mental health and substance use challenges. Content is geared towards all members of the family support community: including parents and caregivers, their natural supports, community members, and the various members of the family workforce including Family Peer Specialists, providers, clinicians, and educators. Presenters will include Subject Matter Experts (SME) in mental health and substance use, experienced Family Peer Specialists and family members with topic-related lived experience. Examples include, but are not limited to, family engagement, caregiver support, lifespan support, and signs and symptoms of co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges. See our upcoming events listed here.
Office Hours: 2nd Tuesday of the Month
Monthly Office Hours provide a virtual learning space to support the Family Peer Workforce for Systems Transformation and Authentic Family Partnership, family peers and to learn more about one of the Core Competencies for Certified Family Peer Specialists each month. Subject matter experts will introduce the topic, discuss its importance in family peer support work, and provide strategies and/or resources family peers can take into their work immediately. Participants will be invited into breakout rooms for co-learning before joining the larger group to share their successes and challenges, as well as ask questions of that month’s presenter. See our upcoming events listed here.
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Family Connections: 1st Thursday of the Month
Families are not alone in their journey. Monthly Family Connections are specifically designed for parents/caregivers. Family Connections provide an opportunity for families to come together, share resources, support one another, and problem-solve. A unique topic, driven by participants, will be advertised each month. The goal is to provide support and information that will help families address the needs of their children – of any age – who experience mental health and/or substance use challenges. See our upcoming events listed here.
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Virtual Resource Library
We provide up-to-date information related to the provision of evidence-informed and community-defined practices for mental health and substance use treatment with an emphasis on supporting the caregivers of individuals receiving care. Our virtual resource library will host comprehensive resources for families, system administrators, policymakers, clinical providers, and family-run leadership to ensure organizations understand that best practice includes engaging families as they support their children through the lifespan. The library will include training modules, toolkits, self-paced online courses and other materials and information that can help meet the needs of families.
Peer Learning Communities
Learning Communities (LC) are open to everyone and organized by community role. They consist of shared-interest listservs facilitated by subject matter experts. Members will have the opportunity to connect with peers to share challenges, questions, ideas, resources, and tools to inspire breakthrough ideas, new knowledge, and new practices.
Communities of Practice
NFSTAC plans to host an annual workforce-based Community of Practice (COP) for individuals who provide family support in the areas of mental health and substance use. Each COP lasts for 12 months and includes quarterly large group think tanks with members of the Family Peer Specialist field, mental health and substance use providers, educators and other professionals who wish to expand their skills in family engagement. Upon completion participants will receive a NFSTAC certificate.