Why It's Important
Connection and support for Minnesota families
WHY OUR WORK IS IMPORTANT
Evidence-Informed, Parent-to-Parent Support
Family Voices of Minnesota connects families of children and youth with special health care needs to trained parent mentors, reliable information, and practical next steps – so care teams aren’t carrying this work alone.
In Minnesota, many families are navigating complex care every day. Parent-to-parent support makes the path clearer - and the load lighter.
STATISTICS
Why Support Matters
- One in Five (20%) Minnesota families with children have a child with a disability or chronic health condition.
- Approximately 14.6 million children ages 0 to 17 in the US have special health care needs (CYSHCN). That’s nearly 20% (19.8%).
- Children and youth with special health care needs are those who have (or who are at increased risk for) a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional condition and who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that generally required.
THE SHORT VERSION
For Partners In Care
- Proven Approach: Decades of research and pediatric guidance support connecting families to peer and community supports as a key part of family-centered care.
- Trained Mentors: Families are matched with parents who have lived experience, specialized training, and ongoing support.
- Better Follow-Through: Families report greater confidence, clearer next steps, and more effective use of services.
- Easy Referral: A simple form connects families quickly – no extra portal or software needed.
PROVEN EXPERIENCE
Why This Approach is Trusted
- Aligned with pediatric guidance: National pediatric care guidance encourages connecting families to natural support networks and community resources as part of family-centered care.
- Built on lived experience + training: Our mentors receive structured preparation and ongoing support.
- Minnesota-focused: Statewide program established to respond to documented family needs; partnerships across clinics, community organizations, and schools.
FOR FAMILIES
Benefits of Partnering with Family Voices of Minnesota
One-To-One Connection
with a trained parent who understands similar needs.
Reliable, Practical Information
tailored to your situation.
Emotional Support
- understanding and acceptance so you’re not alone.
Navigation Help
for health care, education, financial supports, and community living.
Skills and Confidence
to partner with providers and advocate effectively.
Community Involvement
with families who have similar lived experience.
STUDY DATA
Benefits of Peer Support
Family Voices conducted a study of the benefits of our parent to parent program and found that as a result of being connected with another parent from our program parents reported:
Increased confidence caring for their child and family
Parents reported a 56% decrease in emergency department visits
WHAT THE RESEARCH SHOWS
Family Voices of Minnesota Studies
Executive Summary
Family Voices of Minnesota Study
A brief overview of the Minnesota findings and key outcomes
National Research Summary
Parent-to-Parent Support
Highlights from decades of peer-reviewed studies and national guidance
