Family Partner Training and Certification

Via Hope trains and certifies Family Partners in the state of Texas.  A Certified Family Partner (CFP) is a parent or guardian who has lived experience raising a child with mental or emotional challenges and who has learned to successfully navigate the systems of care.  The Certified Family Partner is trained to use this experience to help other parents experiencing these issues for the first time.  The curriculum used was developed by Texas stakeholders and Via Hope staff, based on resources from several other states.

Currently, most Certified Family Partners work in community mental health centers, although their skills are useful in many other venues.

The Certified Family Partners (CFP) course is an intensive 3 day training followed by a final exam. Participants must successfully complete both to receive their certification. Once certified, family partners must earn at least 12 CEUs every two years to maintain their certification.  The program is administered according to the policies in the Certified Family Partners Policy and Procedure Manual.

Via Hope works to give voice to, and promote recovery and resiliency within, families of children with mental health diagnoses.  Via Hope works to raise awareness and reduce discrimination around mental health in schools, faith communities, state agencies and communities.

CFPs are eligible to participate in a statewide online community for Certified Family Partners.  This community is a source for mutual support, advice, and shared experience. 

An additional weekend has been scheduled for 2012! To meet the demand for certification for current family partners, Via Hope has added a 3-day training in Fort Worth on August 7-9, 2012. Click here to complete application by the June 11, 2012, deadline.

Via Hope Certified Family Partner Online Forum (must be registered and logged in to view)