FELSC Family Engagement and Leadership in Systems of Care

How do F2Fs help families?

Families of CYSHCN must work extra hard to achieve the best possible life for their child because the systems that serve their children are complex.  
To manage their children’s health, families of CYSHCN must: 

  • Get the right information about complex programs, policies, eligibility, and application processes.
  • Partner with their children’s doctors and other healthcare providers and understand treatment options.
  • Coordinate multiple healthcare services, get to frequent appointments, and manage medications and equipment.
  • Plan for out-of-pocket expenses for deductibles, co-pays, and uncovered health expenses.
  • Find services that meet their child’s changing needs.
  • Take care of the health and needs of the whole family.
Each F2F provides free and confidential assistance to families of CYSHCN, helping them:

  • Figure out how to respond to changes in policies, like getting or keeping Medicaid as the COVID Public Health Emergency ends.
  • Develop communication and advocacy skills to improve their relationships with healthcare professionals.
  • Coordinate healthcare providers to get the services their child needs.
  • Sign up for and understand insurance benefits.
  • Figure out which benefits their insurance will pay and find ways to meet needs that aren’t covered. Arrange respite care and coordinate care providers.
In addition to helping families learn more about how to navigate the healthcare system, F2Fs help families:

  • Find peer support and emotional support.
  • Increase awareness about disabilities.
  • Find services for specific disabilities or conditions such as autism or diabetes.
  • Participate in developing Section 504 plans, IEPs, and school-based health care to meet their child’s needs.
  • Integrate services for behavioral health and trauma.
  • Build their leadership skills.
Family Engagement and Leadership in Systems of Care (FELSC) is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number (U4000149). The information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

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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.

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To donate by mail, your check payable to Family Voices can be mailed to us at:
Family Voices
561 Virginia Rd.
Bldg. 4, Suite 300
Concord, MA 01742

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