Family to Family & Peer Mentoring

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.

Authorization Authorization

Operation of the Individual and Family Support Program, 12VAC35-230

Instruments and Tools

    Peer to Peer Website

    Virginia Informed Choice Form 5.2023 Examples can be found here:

    DBHDS Office of Provider Network Supports Information  

    Guidelines, Charters, and Plans

    Individual and Family Support Program State Plan For Increasing Supports For Virginians With Developmental Disabilities

    Training Materials

    Processes, Protocols and Standards

    Additional materials and resources:

    Center for Family Involvement website

    Connect with a peer mentor