Learn how to become a peer advocate!!
If you're a parent, caregiver, or young adult (18–30 years old) with lived experience navigating mental health, learning challenges, substance misuse, or foster care, you can become a certified Family or Youth Peer Advocate.
Receive FREE training, credentialing through our partnership with FTNYS, and employment opportunities. Use your story to empower others and build a meaningful career in peer support.
Becoming a Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) or Family Peer Advocate (FPA) is a powerful way to use your lived experience to support and empower others. Through this program, you gain valuable skills, connect with a supportive peer network, and make a meaningful impact in your community.
Screening Questions for Potential Youth Peer Advocates:
Are between 18–30 years old?
Hold at least a high school diploma, GED, or state equivalency?
Have lived experience with emotional/mental health challenges, behavioral challenges, and/or co-occurring disorders with onset before age 21?
Have firsthand experience navigating child-serving systems of care (e.g., mental health services, special education, child welfare, addiction services, juvenile justice, developmental disability services)?
Are willing to share relevant aspects of their lived experience to support other youth facing similar challenges?
Screening Questions for Potential Family Peer Advocates:
Are at least 18 years of age?
Hold at least a high school diploma, GED, or state equivalency?
Have experience as a parent (biological, adoptive, foster) or primary caregiver of a child/youth with significant social, emotional, developmental, medical, substance use, and/or behavioral needs with onset before age 21?
Have experience navigating child-serving systems of care on behalf of their child/youth (e.g., Early Intervention, mental health services, special education, child welfare, addiction services, juvenile justice, developmental disability services)?
Are willing to share relevant aspects of their lived experience to support other families facing similar challenges?
This relaxed, in-person gathering is designed to support you by offering time to:
-Ask questions
-Work through login or technical challenges
-Use our tablets to work on Level 1 training modules or work on your personal essay for Level 2.
-Connect with other participants
-Talk about your goals and how you want to use peer advocacy in your life and career
Simply bring yourself, any questions you have, and (once available) your login information. My goal is to make this process as smooth, supportive, and empowering as possible so you can complete each level, receive your stipends, and earn your credentials at no cost.