G.E.A.R. Parent Network -G.E.A.R. Family Support Partner Program

Family Support Partner Program

What is a G.E.A.R. Family Support Partner?

G.E.A.R. established the Family Support Partner Program in 2009 to provide short-term, in-home support services described below.

A G.E.A.R. Family Support Partner (F.S.P.) helps parents and may help their youth successfully navigate what are often complex and frustrating systems of care.

An F.S.P. has firsthand experience loving and caring for a child with emotional and behavioral health needs, and knows how important it is to have a person to talk to who can empathize with related issues at home, school, in facilities and the community.

An. F.S.P. helps empower families to effect life decisions based on individual strengths and needs. They help educate families on “family-driven” care, and may help a family identify its own trauma history and educate that family on trauma-informed services. They may also offer ideas and suggestions for a child’s behavior management.

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What Does a G.E.A.R. Family Support Partner Offer?

Listening and responding without shame, blame or judgment
Positive role modeling
Problem solving
Meeting attendance based on a family’s requests and needs
Meeting preparation help, so a family can get what it wants out of meetings
Guidance to help a family ask for what it needs and wants from service providers
Encouragement to attend free support group meetings and educational workshops
Awareness building and education

	G.E.A.R. Parent Network is a Parent-to-Parent Network of Information & Support of Children with Behavioral Health Concerns and is a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers funded by DHHS, Children’s Behavioral Health Services, United Way and Private Donations.