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Abstract: 

Empirical research into best practices for child/youth therapeutic services indicates that greater success may occur when parents and other primary family caregivers act as care coordinators for their children’s treatment. To fill this role, these caregivers must be able to navigate service systems and form strong partnerships with child-serving providers. This article discusses (1) the evidence base for interventions that support family empowerment; (2) the role of the system of care movement in promoting family-driven initiatives that use peer training as a means of helping families participate in the treatment process; and (3) a specific family-driven initiative, the Team Up for Families (TUFF) Road Map program, which was designed to reflect this evidence base and enhance other nationally available training interventions.

Keywords: Special needs, family empowerment, children with disabilities, mental health, mental illness

Affiliations:  1: Team Up For Families; 2: University of Tennessee.