Parent to Parent
All of the Family Involvement Project staff are parents of children who either have received or are receiving early intervention services in Virginia. We are all aware of the importance of being able to connect with another parent in a similar situation. The Parent to Parent program has been developed to meet these needs. Parents love to talk about their kids, including parents of children with disabilities, developmental delays, or chronic illnesses. However, when you have a child with special needs it can be difficult to find another parent to talk with who really understands the unique joys and challenges you face. Parent to Parent provides one-to-one telephone matching between trained parent partners and parents of recently diagnosed children. Studies show that when parents are fully informed, connected and supported by other families who have "been there", they are better able to define their needs and the needs of their children. As parents leave the early intervention system they have an opportunity to be trained to be a parent partners. A parent partner is trained by the Family Involvement Project staff to be matched with a family who is newly entering the early intervention system. The trained parent partner is then asked to make phone contact with the new family and offer their support and advice to these families. Studies show that when parents are fully informed, connected and supported by other families who have "been there", they are better able to define their needs and the needs of their children.
Parent Match Process:
Step 1. A parent calls the toll free number to request a match (1-888-604-2677 ext. 5 ).
Step 2. The Match Coordinator returns the call within 24 hours and fills out match forms with caller.
Step 3. Match Coordinator searches database of trained parents to determine the best possible match.
Step 4. Match is arranged.
Step 5. Match coordinator follows up with Parent Partner and/or parent match to ensure that match was successful.
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