New Hampshire Family Voices (NHFV) began in 1994 as a grassroots organization in response to the national call for parent involvement, advocacy, and support networks to assist families and professionals in navigating the systems of care for children with special health care needs and disabilities. By sharing their family expertise and engaging families and community partners across the state, the NHFV’s team participates in program development, implementation, and evaluation as well as policy work affecting the children and families they serve. Their team of family members are highly dedicated to connecting families and providing information through their Online Resource Center and extensive Lending Library geared specifically towards children and families. Direct assistance and support are readily available through the outreach coordinator enabling families to make informed decisions about their children’s care and services.
For the past several years, NHFV and the Bureau for Family Centered Services (BFCS) have collaborated with LEND trainees to develop and evaluate “How to Find Your Way” a visual tool which maps Early Supports and Service’s process from initial intake and eligibility evaluation through the development of the IFSP (Individualized Family Support Plan). The goal of this tool is to improve the knowledge and participation of parents and caregivers in their role as a member of the therapeutic team.
NHFV has provided many rich experiences for LEND trainees with two family discipline trainees, Jennifer Pineo (2013) Project Manager and Rebecca Mitchell (2018) Outreach Coordinator joining their dedicated team. NHFV is key in improving family professional partnerships as well as supporting families and the overall system of care for children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities in the state of New Hampshire.
To learn more about New Hampshire Family Voices visit nhfv.org.
