Banner with the photos of families and children and the Family Voices tagline, Keeping families at the center of children's health care

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)

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.

Family Voices News

Washington Update, August 1, 2019

GOOD NEWS! Congress has passed legislation to extend funding for Family-to-Family Health Information Centers (F2Fs) for five more years (through FY 2024) at the current funding level of $6 million per year! The legislation also makes permanent the provision that...

House and Senate Pass Bill to Extend F2F Funding

UPDATE (July 31, 2019):  The House and Senate have both passed a bill to fund Family-to-Family Health Information Centers (F2Fs) for FIVE more years – through FY 2024 – at the current funding level of $6 million per year!  The legislation also makes permanent the...

Washington Update, July 25, 2019

There is a lot going on in Congress right now, as Members try to get things done before they leave DC for the annual August recess. Speaking of which…Time to meet with your Members of Congress at home! Read more in this issue!

Washington Update, July 19, 2019

The big news this week: The House Committee on Energy & Commerce favorably reported out legislation to extend funding for Family-to-Family Health Information Centers for four more years (through 2023) at the current funding level of $6 million per year. The...

Washington Update, July 11, 2019

One big health care news story this week is that a federal appeals court heard oral arguments in Texas v. U.S., the case challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. Another significant event: on July 11, a House subcommittee is expected to take up...

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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.