Parent Partner Coalition

UACF promotes awareness of the philosophy, value, and inclusion of Parent Partners.

"Parent Partners" go by many names such as Parent Advocate, Family Advocate, Family Partner, and, of course, Parent Partner. Regardless of the title, they are parents or primary caregivers who are raising (or have raised) a child/youth who has emotional and/or behavioral challenges, and are experienced in advocating for his/her child in multiple settings or systems. Knowing that collective life experience would yield dynamic results toward systems change, UACF launched its Parent Partner Coalition to serve the networking and advocacy needs of California’s parents facing mental health challenges in a family setting.

Through advocacy and leadership, the Parent Partner Coalition works to promote the family voice and inspire, educate, empower, and build courage within Parent Partners. We support and recognize the efforts and achievements of California Parent Partners who enhance the services provided to parents and caregivers of children and youth with mental health challenges. Our networking efforts include education, training, teleconferences, networking events, and other activities throughout California.

There are many benefits to joining UACF’s Parent Partner Coalition, and we welcome your input and ideas.

Benefits

Opportunities for leadership and skills development.
UACF newsletter, e-Alerts and other publications.
Sharing of best practices collected from state and national repositories and publications.
Free, monthly teleconference calls.
Involvement in helping to influence public policy.
Participation in parent partner trainings, workshops and annual events.
Involvement in UACF’s statewide public awareness campaigns.
Inclusion in the annual UACF Legislative Advocacy Day at the California State Capitol.
Engagement with all UACF programs and community-based organizations to establish effective and efficient community support systems.
Certification and career planning for Parent Partners.

Join the Parent Partner Coalition today!

Simply indicate your interest on our online membership application or download a membership form and mail to:

Attn: Parent Partner Coalition
United Advocates for Children and Families
2035 Hurley Way, Suite 290
Sacramento, CA 95825

For more information, please contact Vickie Mendoza at (916) 643-1530 x 103.

Please Note: UACF’s Regional Family Network was merged into the Parent Partner Coalition in May 2011. The Regional Family Network (RFN) was created to empower families to transform the children’s mental health care system to better meet the mental health care needs of all children requiring mental health services. It established the largest statewide network of family members, family advocates, family partners and youth in California. The Parent Partner Coalition now assumes responsibility for these activities. We look forward to having you as a member and participant in our Coalition.