What We Offer to Families
AFN Chat Line: Parents/Caregivers can call this support line to talk to another parent who has a child with a mental health or emotional need, to learn about information and resources, or to be referred to one-on-one support. Programs: Currently, AFN partners with Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Community Care Behavioral Health and the following agencies t
o support families in different programs in Allegheny County:
Allegheny Children’s Initiative (ACI)
Allegheny County Children, Youth and Families (CYF)
Family Resources
Human Services Association Organization (HSAO)
Youth and Family Training Institute (YFI)
Family Support Groups: These groups are available throughout Allegheny County for parents to share their family experiences with others who are having similar situations. Meetings include: sharing sessions, speakers who discuss topics chosen by parents, and celebrations, all guided by the needs of parents who are in attendance. Individual Education Plan (IEP): AFN supports families in preparing for or attending an IEP meeting for their child. Family Support Partners can educate parents on their child’s rights to receive an adequate education and provide resources on the IEP process. Special Events: For families who are enrolled in AFN programs, we offer recreational, educational, and social events for the parents as well as the entire family. Families who are involved with AFN may be eligible to attend conferences that address children’s mental health and emotional concerns. Training: Through the AFN Agents of Transformation training program, parents can become Lead Parents. Parents in this program learn to increase their advocacy abilities and be more effective when sitting on policy-making committees at local, state, and federal levels. Participating parents also learn to better support families in their local community or county. Parent Advisory Board: Parents can sit on AFN’s Parent Advisory Board to ensure that the organization remains family-friendly in every way and serves as the voice of the families it supports. These parents advise the Executive Director with their recommendations.
