The History of Parent-to-Parent Support
A proven model built on trust, lived experience, and best practices
HOW IT STARTED
The History and Background of Parent to Parent Support
The Need
In a 2009 survey, Minnesota families of children and youth with special health care needs and disabilities (CYSHCN) reported difficulty finding clear information about their child’s conditions, services, and specialists. Families also said that connecting with another parent was critical for knowing where to turn for resources and support (Leite, 2010).
The Response
In response to these needs- and to direct requests from families and health care organizations – Family Voices of Minnesota established a statewide Parent-to-Parent program. In 2011, we received a federal grant to build Parent-to-Parent support and information as a best practice within primary care across Minnesota.
The Evidence
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Bright Futures guidelines highlight the importance of family support in primary care. They specifically name Parent-to-Parent and Family Voices as recommended referral sources, though many clinicians are still unaware of peer support as a best practice.
More than 30 years of research confirms that Parent-to-Parent programs following national best-practice guidelines are effective. A consistent finding is that parents trust other parents because of their lived experience (Ainbinder et al., 1998).
Our Approach
Family Voices of Minnesota’s Parent-to-Parent program follows these best practices. We are a parent-run organization, providing structured training and follow-up so that experienced parents can serve as trained volunteer mentors. Parents who receive emotional and informational support report greater confidence in parenting, which is linked to better health care utilization and stronger participation in care planning (Singer et al., 1999; Wagner, Austin, & Von Korff, 1996).
The Cycle of Support
Parent-to-Parent creates a cycle of support: parents receive encouragement and information, grow in confidence, and often become mentors themselves. This ongoing cycle strengthens families and builds a community of support that keeps expanding.
The support given and received through Parent-to-Parent has been called “the cradle of leadership.” Many parents discover their advocacy voice through these relationships. Confident, well-informed parents are better able to partner with providers and help improve systems of care for all families.
