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Family Voices Affiliate Organizations (FVAOs)

What are Family Voices Affiliate Organizations?

A Family Voices Affiliate Organization (FVAO) is a statewide/territory-wide/tribal, parent/family-led non-profit organization, with a Board composed of a majority of family members of CYSHCN, that meets the requirements of an FVAO and works to advance the mission, vision, and principles of Family Voices.  FVAOs are a critical part of our collective effort to keep families at the center of children’s health care.

There is an FVAO in most states, and only one FVAO is approved per state. In many cases, the FVAO is the same organization that serves as the Family-to-Family Health Information Center (F2F) in that state, though not in all cases.

FVAOs stay connected through a listserv, national meetings, monthly national calls, and quarterly regional calls.  The affiliate network works with the Family Voices policy team to inform our policy work and take collective action.

If your organization is interested in becoming a Family Voices affiliate, please contact Ian Whitney for more information and an application.

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Family-to-Family Health Information Centers (F2Fs)

What are F2Fs?

Family-to-Family Health Information Centers (F2Fs) are family-led organizations that support families of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). Family Voices provides technical assistance to the F2Fs through the Family Engagement and Leadership in Systems of Care grant, funded through 2028 through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Maternal Child Health Bureau.

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) funds F2Fs in every state, the District of Columbia, five US territories, and three F2Fs serving American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Each F2F is staffed by highly skilled, knowledgeable families with first-hand experience of the challenges faced by CYSHCN and their families. These uniquely qualified staff provide critical support to families caring for CYSHCN, particularly families of children with complex needs and those from communities that experience worse outcomes.

F2Fs also help healthcare providers, state and federal agencies, and legislators understand and respond to the needs of CYSHCN and their families.

F2Fs and FVAOs: What's the difference?

Find a Family-to-Family Health Information Center (F2F) or Family Voices Affiliate Organization (FVAO)

Select a state or territory using the dropdown menu below, or navigate using the map. When using the map, first click on a state or territory and then click the organization's name for more information.

F2Fs and FVAOs in U.S. Territories:

F2Fs and FVAOs serving Tribal Communities:

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Our Vision

All children, youth, and families, especially those with special health care needs and disabilities, experience their best health and quality of life.

Our Mission

Family Voices is a family-led organization that transforms systems of care to work better for all children and youth, especially those with special health care needs or disabilities. By putting families at the forefront and centering their leadership and lived expertise, we build a culture that includes everyone and fosters equitable outcomes.

Donate by mail

To donate by mail, your check payable to Family Voices can be mailed to us at:
Family Voices
P.O. Box 3162
South Attleboro, MA 02730

In honor of
The Close the Gap campaign is funded by Dr. David Nichols and Mayme Boyd.
Visit familyvoices.org/closethegap to learn more.