
Quick Links
Family Voices is a national nonprofit led by families and friends of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and disabilities. We connect a network of family-led organizations across the United States that provide support to families of CYSHCN.
We promote partnership with youth and families at all levels of health care, from individual care to policy and decision-making, to improve policies and systems of care for children.
Do you have a child or teen who has special health care needs or disabilities? Find support in your local community.
¿Tiene un niño o adolescente que tiene necesidades especiales de salud o discapacidades? Haga clic aquí para buscar ayuda.
Find help in your community
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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.
Find a Family-to-Family Health Information Center (F2F) or Family Voices Affiliate Organization (FVAO)
F2Fs and FVAOs in U.S. Territories:
F2Fs and FVAOs serving Tribal Communities:
Family Voices News
Post-Election Strategies for Securing Policy Victories for Infants, Toddlers, and their Families
The National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (NCIT) released a toolkit offering strategies and real-world tips to help advance an impactful policy agenda that benefits infants, toddlers, expectant parents, and families. This toolkit shares strategies on...
Continuing Resolution
As December 20 approaches, Congress is faced with a deadline to agree on a budget or pass a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government running. With a change in presidential leadership, it is more than likely Congress will decide on a CR. This would temporarily fund the government into early 2025.
Office for Civil Rights – Letter on Civil Rights Language Access Requirements
On December 5, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a “Dear Colleague” letter to help providers and other better understand their responsibilities under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (“Section 1557”). According to recent census data, nearly 68 million people in the United States speak a language other than English at home. Having access to language assistance is critical to achieving equity in health care.
2024 Data Profile on Health Care Transition
2024 Profile on Health Care Transition for Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Family Voices Launches Free Online Language Access Course
My Language, My Care helps families learn more about language access. By the end of the course, participants will understand their rights under the law, know more about interpreter confidentiality, and have the tools to advocate for high quality language access services in the health care setting.