Family Support Services

Families supporting families.

What is Family Support?

Our Family Support Services offer support to families who are caring for or raising a child under 21, facing social, emotional, developmental, substance use, or behavioral challenges. Through this support, families can build a structured, strength-based relationship with a Family Peer Advocate who works closely with parents, family members, and caregivers to benefit the child or youth.

"Family" encompasses the primary caregiving unit in all its diverse forms, recognizing the unique structures that exist in our society.

Family Peer Support is also available to families participating in the Ithaca Family Treatment Court, providing additional support as they navigate recovery, family needs, and the court process.

There is no cost and no referral required.

Because everyone deserves support, and no one should have to struggle alone.

Two young women with curly hair standing together in an indoor setting, one with arm around the other's shoulder, both looking directly at the camera with neutral expressions.

Interested in Family Support?

Please reach out to our Family Support Advocate, Jonathan Cook, at jcook@mhtompkins.org, or call 607 277-PEER for more information.

Two young girls with curly hair lying on a bed, looking at electronic devices and a book, in a cozy room with a fireplace and shelves in the background.
Silhouettes of five blue seagulls flying against a black background.

What is a Family Peer Advocate?

Family Peer Advocates have ‘lived-experience’ as the parent (biological, foster, adoptive) or primary caregiver of a child/youth with a social, emotional, behavioral, mental health, or developmental disability).  They receive training to develop skills and strategies to empower and support other families.  They foster effective parent-professional partnership and promote the practice of family-driven and youth-guided approaches.

Families Together in New York State administers the New York State Family Peer Advocate Credential. The establishment of the FPA Credential recognizes the importance of family-to-family support. The intent of this credentialing process is to formally recognize the expertise of Family Peer Advocates, to ensure all advocates demonstrate core competencies, to expand reimbursement possibilities, and to provide opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.

How Can Family Support Services Help?

Our Family Peer Advocates are here to support you in navigating the challenges of raising a child with mental health or behavioral needs. They can:

Work with you to create a personalized family support plan that respects your family’s values and culture.

Provide clear, accessible information about various child-serving systems, helping you make informed decisions.

Empower you to advocate effectively for your child’s unique needs and rights.

Help your family develop the skills necessary to support your child’s growth and well-being.