Family Voices Resources

Family involvement is essential to the successful development and adoption of health-related programs that affect families. Family engagement is now being measured across MCH systems and not just within programs for children with special health care needs (CSHCN). Family organizations serving families of CSHCN are already actively engaged in partnerships around how to promote family engagement in health care beyond CSHCN populations. This webinar was a panel presentation of three Family to Family Health Information Centers (F2Fs) and Family Voices State Affiliate Organizations (FV SAOs) highlighting examples and lessons learned from their successful partnerships and collaborations on Non-CSHCN initiatives. Speakers include:  Malia Corde of New Jersey’s Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) will highlight three projects, funded through the NJ Department of Health and NJ Department of Human Services, that focus on improving pregnancy outcomes and the prevention of birth defects and developmental disabilities. Amy Nienhuis of Family Connection in South Carolina will discuss elements of her organization’s state contract with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control that reach beyond CSHCN populations. Jane St. John and Susan Bird of Missouri Family to Family will highlight an evolution of partnerships with stakeholders including Missouri’s Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems and Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting which have resulted in increased family involvement in several initiatives across the state.