Family Peer Advocates have ‘lived-experience’ as the parent (biological, foster, adoptive) or primary caregiver of a child/youth with a social, emotional, behavioral, mental health, or developmental disability).  They receive training to develop skills and strategies to empower and support other families.  They foster effective parent-professional partnership and promote the practice of family-driven and youth-guided approaches.

Families Together in New York State administers the New York State Family Peer Advocate Credential. The establishment of the FPA Credential recognizes the importance of family-to-family support. The intent of this credentialing process is to formally recognize the expertise of Family Peer Advocates, to ensure all advocates demonstrate core competencies, to expand reimbursement possibilities, and to provide opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.