Parenting is a difficult task and raising a child with mental health needs can be overwhelming, even for experienced parents. Parent-2-Parent is a program facilitated by parents who have successfully accessed the mental health, judicial, and educational systems to support their own child. They are committed to sharing their journey and increasing your knowledge, helping you learn to effectively advocate and support your child as well as support other parents in your community.

Parent 2 Parent Advocacy Training is a 14-16 hour course for caregivers to become volunteer advocates for other parents. The training provides the following information:

• System of Care Values
• Wraparound Philosophy
• Mental Health Disorders and Effects
• Finding Resources in Your Community
• Special Education and 504 Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Juvenile Justice and Mental Health
• Effective Advocacy for Families Under Stress
• How to Run a Parent Support Group

NAMI Basics is a free, 6-week education program for parents and family caregivers of children and teens who are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness or whom have already been diagnosed. NAMI Basics is offered in a group setting so you can connect with other people face-to-face. You’ll learn the facts about mental health conditions and how best to support your child at home, at school and when they’re getting medical care. Last year, 99% of participants told us they would recommend the program to other parents. The course is taught by a trained team with lived experience—they know what you’re going through because they’ve been there. The 6-session program provides critical strategies for taking care of your child and learning the ropes of recovery.

What You’ll Gain

At NAMI Basics, you’ll find out that you’re not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope. The group setting of NAMI Basics provides mutual support and shared positive impact—you can experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. You also can help others with your own experience.

NAMI Basics covers:

• Managing crises, solving problems and communicating effectively
• How to take care of yourself and handle stress
• Developing the confidence and stamina to support your child with compassion
• Advocating for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings
• Sample Record Keeping System
• Muestra del sistema de registro de información
• Learning about current treatments, including evidence-based therapies, medications and side effects
• Gaining an overview of the public mental health care, school and juvenile justice systems and supporting resources to help you navigate these systems
• Understanding the challenges and impact of mental health conditions on your entire family