Parent Network Specialists

Parent Network Specialists (PNS) are parents of children with disabilities and/or special healthcare needs. They have been trained to help families get the support and services they need.

How we can help your family:

• Support

  We offer 1-on-1 emotional support, support groups, and guidance tailored to your family.

• Advocacy mentorship

  Our team can help you learn how to advocate for the services you need by providing information on policies, sample template letters and guidance on processes.

• Training

  We offer workshops and helpful resources for parents and professionals on positive parenting for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities, accessing health care services, transition planning and coordinating a medical home

• Finding services

  We can help connect you to community resources such as special education and early intervention services, health care and related financing (i.e.: insurance coverage and Medicaid waivers), and other disability services or supports.

• Connecting with other parents

  Raising a child with special healthcare needs can be tough emotionally. Talking to other parents who understand can help. We have many ways for you to connect, including weekly family support groups where parents/caregivers can share resources and experiences. We also offer the Parent 2 Parent of WV program, which matches families with a trained, volunteer support parent that has been on a similar journey.

• Sibling support

  We offer online Sibshops for kids and teens who have a sibling with a disability. These events let kids meet other siblings, have fun, laugh, and talk about what it’s like to have a sibling with special healthcare needs.

• Family leaders

  Your experience can make a big difference. Join our team of parent advisors or become a parent trainer to teach others about children with special healthcare needs.

Contact Our Parent Network Specialists

The Parent Network Project is funded by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health, Children with Special Health Care Needs Program.