Business Details
Your Voice Matters in Childrens Mental Health
Founded to support families navigating emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges in children and youth, we provide advocacy, education, and peer connections to empower families across Vermont. Our programs equip parents with practical knowledge to advocate effectively for their children while fostering systemic improvements through lived experience sharing. With decades of dedicated service, we collaborate with policymakers and communities to enhance care practices and reduce stigma surrounding children's mental health.Our team offers personalized guidance, training resources, and opportunities for families to influence legislative decisions through advisory boards and special committees. By connecting families to peer support networks and evidence-based information, we strive to create a more responsive and compassionate system of care for all Vermont families.
Services
Family Advocacy
Mental Health Training
Peer Support Networks
Policy Consultation
Educational Programs
Crisis Resources
Legislative Updates
Community Workshops
Online Resources
Family Coaching
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience empowering Vermont families through mental health advocacy
- Our programs connect families to peer support networks and practical resources
- We provide evidence-based training to help parents navigate complex care systems
- Our team actively influences policy improvements through legislative advocacy
- We offer specialized support for children aged 0-22 facing emotional challenges
Services
Family Advocacy
Our advocacy services empower families to navigate complex mental health systems effectively. We provide personalized guidance for parents seeking appropriate care for children aged 0-22. Through one-on-one consultations and case-specific resources, we help families understand their rights and develop effective communication strategies with care providers.
Mental Health Training
We deliver comprehensive training programs covering crisis management, de-escalation techniques, and care planning. Our workshops combine evidence-based practices with real-world experience from mental health professionals and family advocates. Participants gain practical skills to support children's emotional well-being and navigate treatment options.
Peer Support Networks
Our peer support programs connect families facing similar challenges through structured support groups and mentorship opportunities. These networks foster mutual understanding and shared problem-solving while reducing isolation. Participants benefit from connecting with others who have firsthand experience navigating mental health systems.
Policy Consultation
We facilitate family participation in legislative processes through advisory boards and policy committees. Our consultation services help families share lived experiences to shape systemic improvements. We provide guidance on effective communication with policymakers and organize advocacy events to amplify family voices.
Community Workshops
Our workshops focus on practical skill development for managing behavioral challenges and crisis situations. Led by experienced professionals, these sessions combine educational content with interactive practice. Topics include communication strategies, boundary setting, and trauma-informed care approaches for families supporting children with mental health needs.
People
VFF Board of Directors
Governing Body
The VFF Board of Directors comprises experienced family advocates and mental health professionals who guide organizational strategy and policy initiatives.
Act 264 Advisory Board
Policy Advisors
This specialized advisory board provides expert guidance on legislative matters related to children's mental health policy and system improvements.
Special Education Standing Committees
Education Experts
Our education-focused committees include specialists in special education law and school system navigation to support families' advocacy efforts.
LIT Parent Representatives
Community Leaders
These trained parent representatives provide peer support and leadership in local communities through our Leadership in Training program.
Certification Resources Team
Training Coordinators
Our certification team manages educational programs and training resources for families seeking professional development in mental health advocacy.
Questions
What services does VFFCMH offer for families?
We provide family advocacy support, mental health education programs, peer connection networks, policy consultation services, and specialized training resources for Vermont families navigating children's mental health challenges.
How can I get involved with VFFCMH?
Families can participate in our support groups, join legislative advocacy efforts, attend training sessions, or share their experiences through our storytelling programs to help shape policy improvements.
Does VFFCMH serve all age groups?
Our services specifically support children and youth aged 0-22 experiencing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges, along with their families.
Are there educational resources available?
Yes, we offer e-learning modules, workshops, and training sessions designed to help families understand mental health systems and develop effective advocacy strategies.
How does VFFCMH support policy change?
We facilitate family participation in advisory boards, special committees, and legislative advocacy days to ensure lived experiences inform policy decisions.
Can I access support remotely?
While we maintain a physical office in South Burlington, we offer virtual resources, phone support, and online training modules for Vermont families statewide.
