What is a Youth/Family Support Partner?

Youth and Family Support Partners (sometimes called Y/FSP) is an overarching term for parents and caregivers of children or youth who have or are currently receiving services from a public child family serving agency who work using their lived experience to assist other families. Youth (individuals 25 and younger) who have received services or are currently receiving services from the Children, Youth & Family Behavioral Health Services System of Care can also train to become a Youth/Family Support Partner using their lived experience to assist other youth (Peers) who are struggling with behavioral / mental health issues.

Youth/Family Support Partners play a unique and important role in the world of peer recovery and support in San Diego’s behavioral health scene. Y/FSPs work both paid and unpaid positions and usually receive extensive training. The Children, Youth & Family Liaison celebrates the valuable depth and meaning lived experience brings to the table of living with wellness and recovery. The many roles within the behavioral health community that a Family Support Partner can play can include:
• Administration
• Advocacy & Community Engagement
• Training & Supervision
• Support Partners
• Outcome & Evaluation
• Programs & Activities

Youth/Family Support Partners can be called any of the following titles: Peer Support Specialist, Family Support Partner, Parent Partner, Promotora, Case Management Peer Specialist, Family Partner, Youth Partner, Peer Support Advocate, Older Adult Peer, Youth Support Partner, AOD Peer, TAY Peer Specialist, Support Partner Intern, Peer Dual Recovery Specialist, or Parent Engagement Specialist, and many more. There are probably other titles not included in this list. The important message is that all these titles fall under the umbrella of Youth/Family Support Partners, and all are dedicated to help families and youth find support services and return to a state of positive mental health.

The Children, Youth & Family Liaison provides a monthly free education, support and coaching program for San Diego’s active Youth/Family Support Partners. Coaching takes place on the fourth Friday of the month from 1pm to 3pm at NAMI San Diego main offices, 5095 Murphy Canyon Rd, Ste 320, San Diego, CA 92123. We offer one hour of educational coaching and a one hour workshop on tools to unify the work that Youth/Family Support Partners do within the community.  For more information or to RSVP to attend a Youth/Family Support Partner Coaching Session, please RSVP by visiting this link: http://bit.ly/FYP1819. Walk ins welcome but registration is appreciated.

For additional information: Email CYFLiaison@namisd.org Subject Line: FSP Coaching
Call/Text: (858) 987-2980