Family Peer Support Services
(Accepts Self-Referrals)
We believe that parents and caregivers are the experts on their own children.
New Directions Family Peer Advocates provide Family Peer Support Services to parents and caregivers of youth who are experiencing mental health or behavior challenges. Our team of parent professionals support parents by providing a “peer” service, meaning the service provider is someone who has lived experience raising a child with a mental health diagnosis. All program staff are trained and credentialed as New York State Family Peer Advocates.
We believe that parents/caregivers are the experts on their own children. We use a trauma informed care approach in all the work we do. We believe in focusing on and building upon strengths and solution focused planning. Services are free, provided at times and locations convenient for the parent/caregiver, and are family-driven. The goals and needs we work on are identified by you, based on your family’s unique circumstances.
What do we do?
We help parents/caregivers to:
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Learn more about their child’s diagnosis and ways to support their child.
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Identify their own needs and engage in self-care.
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Feel less alone by connecting them with other parents/caregivers experiencing similar situations.
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Engage/re-engage with family members and build natural supports.
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Learn more about the services that are available to them in the community and connect them to resources that meet their needs.
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Provide support and resources related to education, mental health services, hospital/ER care, social services, and community supports.
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Become advocates for their child and themselves.
Which Family Peer Support Services program is right for you?
Depending on where you live, and whether or not your family is eligible for Medicaid, there is a version of Family Peer Support Services which is just right for you. These are your choices:
Contact Information for Erie County Family Peer Support Services:
Heather Schilling
Administrative Assistant
Phone: 716-486-3298
Fax: 716-271-6952
Email: familyadvocates@ndyfs.org
New Directions
Family Peer Support Services
4511 Harlem Road
Amherst, New York 14226
Niagara County Family Peer Support: Support and advocacy for Niagara County families who have private (non-Medicaid) insurance, or uninsured. Funding provided by the Niagara County Department of Mental Health and NYS Office of Mental Health. Services are available for those with Medicaid and a qualifying diagnosis.
Also available in Niagara County is our Family Peer Support Group - a welcoming and inspiring place to share frustrations, concerns, and ideas with caregivers who truly understand. Please call for more information!
Contact Information for Niagara County Family Peer Support Services:
New Directions
Family Peer Support Services
6395 Old Niagara Road
Lockport, New York 14094
Erie County Family Peer Support: Support and advocacy for Erie County families who have private (non-Medicaid) insurance, or uninsured. Funding provided by the Erie County Department of Mental Health and NYS Office of Mental Health. Services are available for those with Medicaid and a qualifying diagnosis.
Also available in Erie County is our Family Peer Support Group - a welcoming and inspiring place to share frustrations, concerns, and ideas with caregivers who truly understand. Please call for more information!