Today Is Policy Day for FFCMH!

Yesterday at the Federation of Families conference, I participated in the Parent Support Provider Institute. There was information given about the progress made on creating a Parent Support Provider certification and also creating an organization to govern and hold the certified members accountable in the profession. So you may ask... What's a Parent Support Provider and why on earth do we need them? And that's a great question because we (all the members of FFCMH) will be educating the public about this.

Parent Support Providers are family members who have been through the complex mental health system trying to get appropiate and best services for their children and families. Because of this experience, they spend their time professionally and personally helping to educate and support other families in getting to services and getting what they need. In my opinion, they are the missing link in mental health services, and they will be the glue that makes services work in the future. As a therapist for families, I see the extreme value in having as many PSPs as possible! In fact, I think I would love to have the certification myself because it will just help to strengthen my ability to serve and the ability to find services and supports for my own family.

Today, however, is POLICY DAY for FFCMH! I am so thankful that I am a part of an organization that provides education on speaking with legislators and feeling empowered about sharing our message with them. This education will make my meeting with Congressman John Shimkus tomorrow the most effective visit possible. Without this education and encouragement, I would not have felt capable of achieving this activity. Once again, thank you FFCMH for being there for me and my family!