Peer support: parent partner programs

Peer support: parent partner programs

It is critical that child welfare systems learn from parents and other lived experts who have experience with child welfare, and then leverage that expertise in meaningful ways. This engagement can take many forms, including advisory councils at the systems level, and parent partner programs at the individual level. Based on a peer support model, parent partner programs provide parents impacted by child welfare with a mentor who is a parent with a closed child welfare case. While relatively new in child welfare, peer mentor programs have been studied extensively in disciplines such as mental health and substance abuse treatment, and are found to be an effective intervention. The evidence base for child welfare parent partners is growing, with parents often sharing that having a parent partner as a role model, coach, and advocate is invaluable.

Parent partner programs can operate through community providers, courts, or child protection agencies, and can be called by different names, such as peer partner or parent mentor. Ensuring that this expertise and support is available to every parent impacted by child welfare is one way for child welfare agencies and their partners to engage parents and support families on the path to permanency and well-being.

FEATURED RESOURCES

Two young women walking in Paris street having conversation. Young woman gesturing with hands, female friend listening

What are the key elements for sustaining, expanding, and spreading parent partner programs?

LEARN MORE

Close Up Of Granddaughter Hugging Grandmother In Park

Parent partner programs: Understanding their value, research, impact, and application

LEARN MORE

Portrait of a group of young children standing in a line in the hallway of a school

How do parent partner programs instill hope and support prevention and reunification?

LEARN MORE

Please explore the related resources below and at Questions from the field to learn more about parent partner programs.