Family to Family & Peer Mentoring – Official Site of the Commonwealth of Virginia

Settlement Agreement Provision

III.D.5 Individuals in the target population shall not be served in a sponsored home or any congregate setting, unless such placement is consistent with the individual’s choice after receiving options for community placements, services, and supports consistent with the terms of Section IV.B.9 below IV.B.9.b b. PSTs and the CSB case manager shall coordinate with the specific type of community providers identified in the discharge plan as providing appropriate community-based services for the individual, to provide individuals, their families, and, where applicable, their Authorized Representative with opportunities to speak with those providers, visit community placements (including, where feasible, for overnight visits) and programs, and facilitate conversations and meetings with individuals currently living in the community and their families, before being asked to make a choice regarding options. The Commonwealth shall develop family-to-family and peer programs to facilitate these opportunities.

About Family to Family & Peer Mentoring

As part of the DBHDS Family Engagement Initiative, DBHDS is providing resources to families through multiple avenues including enabling the connection of families to other families with similar experiences and connecting individuals with disabilities with their peers. DBHDS is partnering with the evidenced based Family to Family program operated by the VCU Partnership for People with Disabilities to increase availability and access. DBHDS also partners with The ARC of Virginia to provide peer-to-peer support for self-advocates and people with disabilities.

Training Materials

Additional materials and resources:

Center for Family Involvement website

Connect with a peer mentor

Authorization Authorization

Instruments and Tools

Guidelines, Charters, and Plans

Training Materials