Family Alliance for Change (FAFC) Resource Hub is a parent-driven program that supports, educates and empowers parents and caregivers of children with mental health challenges in Wayne County.
The core services provided by FAFC are:
- Parent Support Partners
- A Legal Self-Help Center
- Referrals to help families meet many different needs
FAFC serves as the parent voice for the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority and as the parent liaison to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. FAFC began in 1994 and became a program of Southwest Solutions in 2017.
What is a Parent Support Partner?
A Parent Support Partner (PSP) is the parent or caregiver of a child with emotional, behavioral or other mental health challenges who supports families with children who have such challenges as well. A PSP:
- Brings personal and professional experience to help families get the services, resources and opportunities they need to be healthier and more successful.
- Helps families navigate a variety of systems, including community mental health, schools, hospitals, child welfare, and juvenile justice.
- Participates in the family’s treatment team to help plan and implement services that respect the family’s values, experiences, choices and aims.
- Empowers parents and caregivers so they can effectively set goals, communicate with agencies, and navigate systems on their own.
Michigan Legal Self-Help Center of Southwest Detroit
The Legal Self-Help Center helps visitors use the Michigan Legal Help website to get information about civil legal matters, including housing rights, public benefits, family matters (such as divorce or child support), credit and debt issues, employment, immigration, and more.
The Center is staffed by navigators who cannot provide legal advice, but they can answer questions about court practices and processes, help explain forms that are available on the website, and guide you in your research.
The Center is located at the Family Alliance for Change office on the fourth floor of 5716 Michigan Avenue in Detroit. It is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00am – 3:00pm. Visitors can access computers and printers during these hours.
Help is available in both English and Spanish. All services at the Center are free.
To obtain a copy of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) Member Handbook and the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) Provider Directory, follow this link. This information can be found under Member Resources or under Customer Service Resources.
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Results
FAFC served about 300 families last year providing Medicaid-reimbursed services through 13 community mental health organizations.
FAFC employed 14 Parent Support Partners in 2017.
113 parents were trained to be advocates for their own and other families in 2017.
Hosted 761 family members at training, policy, and legislative forums in 2017.
Provided Spanish-language support groups for 119 parent participants in 2017.
Provided support services to 585 families in 2017.
Served 170 youth in its Future Stars and Youth Enhancement Program efforts in 2017.