A Family Advocate can be called by many different titles, including Navigator, Family Associate, Parent Advocate, and Parent Support Partner. According to the Colorado revised statutes (27-69-102) a “Family Advocate” means a parent or primary caregiver who:
- Has been trained in a system of care approach to assist families in accessing and receiving services and supports;
- Has raised or cared for a child or adolescent with a mental health or co-occurring disorder; and
- Has worked with multiple agencies and providers, such as mental health, physical health, substance abuse, juvenile justice, developmental disabilities, education, and other state and local service systems.
A “Family Systems Navigator” means an individual who:
- Has been trained in a system of care approach to assist families in accessing and receiving services and supports;
- Has the skills, experience, and knowledge to work with children and youth with mental health or co-occurring disorders; and
- Has worked with multiple agencies and providers, such as mental health, physical health, substance abuse, juvenile justice, developmental disabilities, education, and other state and local service systems.
Understanding the Role of a Family Advocate
A family advocate is a professional who works with families to help them navigate through challenges and crisis. They are typically trained in counseling, social work, or psychology, and their main goal is to help families achieve a better quality of life by addressing issues such as financial instability, legal disputes, or parenting difficulties. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at what a family advocate is, what their role entails, and why they are an invaluable resource for families in need.
What is a family advocate?
A family advocate is a professional who works with families to identify their needs and provide support to help improve their overall wellbeing. They offer guidance, advocacy, and support to families who are experiencing challenges such as divorce, child custody disputes, or financial difficulties. They are trained to help families understand their rights and make informed decisions to better their lives.
The main job of a family advocate is to help families navigate through difficulties by providing practical support and emotional guidance. Depending on the needs of the family, they may offer counseling services or refer families to other professionals for specialized help. They also work to connect families with community resources such as food banks, housing programs, or legal assistance. Additionally, they may work with public agencies on behalf of the family to provide advocacy during difficult legal or administrative proceedings.
Why are family advocates important?
Family advocates are important because they provide a wide range of services that help families in need. They work to empower families by providing them with the tools they need to overcome adversity and improve their quality of life. Additionally, they offer a valuable support system that can help families overcome feelings of isolation and stress during difficult times. By being an advocate for families and helping them find the resources they need, family advocates have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of their clients.
How can families benefit from working with an advocate?
Families can benefit from working with a family advocate in several ways. Firstly, advocates offer a safe and confidential environment for families to share their concerns and get support. They also work to connect families with resources they may not be aware of, such as legal assistance or financial aid. Additionally, they can help families navigate complex administrative systems, such as those involved in accessing government benefits. Ultimately, families can benefit from working with an advocate by gaining a better understanding of their rights and making informed decisions to improve their lives.
How can you find a family advocate?
If you are in need of a family advocate, there are several ways to find one. Firstly, you can contact local non-profit organizations or community groups that offer family support services. You can also check with your local government agencies or school district to see if they have a family advocate on staff. Additionally, you can use online resources such as directories or online search engines to locate family advocacy services in your area.
What Does a Family Advocate Do?
A Family Advocate may:
- Provide education to family members and to others involved in the systems serving the family and youth.
- Help identify the strengths and needs of families.
- Be a mediator between the system and the family by helping to educate professionals on the strengths and needs of the family.
- Help family members understand the different roles of the agencies involved in the system and how they may affect the family.
- Assist families in identifying and utilizing necessary services.
A Family Advocate or a Family Systems Navigator helps state and local agencies and systems adopt more strengths-based and family-driven programs, policies, and services. The focus is to better meet the needs of families and their youth with mental illness, co-occurring disorders or substance use disorders and improve outcomes for all, including families, youth, and the agencies they utilize.
In conclusion, a family advocate is an invaluable resource for families facing difficult times. They provide practical support, emotional guidance, and connect families with resources and services that they may not be aware of. By being an advocate for families, they play an important role in improving family health and wellbeing, and helping them navigate through challenging situations. If you or someone you know is in need of a family advocate, reach out to your local community resources to learn more about the services that are available.