#TEXT4 Caregivers

With funding from the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, Parent to Parent of NYS is pleased to introduce our latest initiative, Text4Caregivers. Text4Caregivers is a free text service that distributes timely and relevant self-care and stress-management support via text messaging. As a caregiver, you take care of others; this service exists to remind you to take care of you.

2-1-1/3-1-1

ACR Health Hotline

Provides various support groups for Leisbian, Gay, Bisexual and Questioning youth ages 13-25 and Transyouth ages 5-25 as well as Family Support will a Credentialed Family Peer Advocate for Families of Transyouth.

Addiction Recovery Resources

This website provides links to support groups and resources for individuals in recovery, as well as information for their family and friends. Participation in these recovery programs is free.

Become a Family Peer Advocate (FPA)

Family Peer Advocates are valuable professionals within the child serving system. They are uniquely qualified to work with families based on their first-hand experience as the parent/caregiver of a young person with a social, emotional, behavioral, health, or developmental disability. This experience, combined with additional Parent Empowerment (PEP) training, allows them to provide peer support to parents of children with similar challenges.

Become a Youth Peer Advocate (YPA)

Are you a young person who is between the ages of 18 and 30 years old with first-hand experience with mental health, special education, or foster care services? Are you curious about ways you could help a younger person who is facing some of the same challenges you faced?

If so, consider becoming a Youth Peer Advocate (YPA). Learn more about how you can use your own experience with recovery to make a positive impact in another young person’s life.

Caregiving: A Personal Story

Janice Fitzgerald tells her personal story of caregiving for her son, emphasizing the importance of caregiving, the importance of taking care of yourself, as well as the common emotions and struggles faced by families providing care for loved ones with disabilities.

Casey Life Sills (CLS) Assessment Tool

The Casey Life Skills (CLS) tool is a tool for youth to build their own personal checklist of skills and strengths. It shows them what they know already and what is possible for them to learn in the future. A case worker or mentor needs to help them create a free account.

COMBAT HEROIN and Prescription Drug Abuse

Information and resources on opioid addictions prevention and treatment and how to get involved in solutions. This website also includes videos of real stories. Addiction can happen to anyone, any family, at any time.

Individual and Family Support Unit - Justice Center

The Individual and Family Support Unit (IFSU) of the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs is a resource for victims of abuse or neglect, their families, personal representatives and guardians. IFSU advocates provide assistance in a variety of areas, including:

• guidance and information about the reporting and investigative process
• support during criminal cases and proceedings
• victim interview accompaniment
• case status updates   

All services are offered free.