ParentVOICE

ParentVOICE is an MHA program staffed by parents and caregivers of youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health concerns. We provide trained and caring Family Support Specialists to help families navigate the education, child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. We also provide an opportunity for parents to connect with other parents and caregivers facing similar issues. ParentVOICE provides the education, support and resources that you need to help your child. The ParentVOICE program supports the principles of Integrated Care and System of Care.

 

Family Support

The ParentVOICE program provides one-on-one support to parents/caregivers of youth with emotional, behavioral and mental health issues. Additionally, MHA has Youth Engagement staff to directly support adolescents and young adults.


Family Support Specialists assist parents as natural supports by partnering with families who are navigating the education, child welfare, mental health and juvenile justice systems; helping parents prepare for and then accompany them to meetings with schools, service providers, and child & family teams; and educating parents/caregivers to achieve successful outcomes including improving children's ability to function at home, in school, and in their community.

Support Groups
ParentVOICE offers separate monthly support groups for parents/caregivers and youth. Respect for confidentiality allows parents to connect with other parents and caregivers facing similar issues, receive information about topics related to raising children with behavioral, emotional and/or mental health challenges, share coping strategies, establish social networks, and feel more empowered.  (Virtual support groups are currently being hosted monthly, although typically support groups are held in Cabarrus and Mecklenburg Counties once per month from January-October, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Dinner and childcare is provided for in-person gatherings.)

 

Virtual Parent/Caregiver Empowerment Group

For Zoom link, email Cathy Johnson, Amy Dickey or Kristine Holt:

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

 

Virtual Youth Support Groups

During Pandemic:

Kids of Tomorrow - KOT (ages 8 – 13) – 2nd Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom

ACTIVE Youth (ages 14 - 20) – 1st Thursday at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom

Register: Contact Kevin or Briana for Zoom link.

Kevin Markle at 980.406.1527

[email protected]

or

Briana Richmond at 704.365.3454 ext. 229

[email protected] 

 

Services ParentVOICE Offers

  • Trainings and workshops for parents, youth, and provider agencies, at NO COST to families
  • Attendance at meetings with schools and service providers as a support for parents and caregivers
  • A specialized lending library for parents and professionals as well as resource information to youth and their siblings
  • Monthly support groups for adults and youth
  • Triple P – Positive Parenting Program – individual consultations with parents to reduce child behavior problems and teach healthy parenting

For Help

  • Family Partners assist parents and caretakers achieve their goals by advocating with the family; educating them about specific mental illness diagnoses and navigating the mental health system; standing up for the family's point of view; promoting awareness and working to remove barriers to personal success and independence. Please call the main number to reach a Family Partner: (704) 365-3454.
  • Kids of Tomorrow (KOT) and A.C.T.I.V.E. Youth Groups provide emotional and social support, workshops, and activities within a safe and structured environment for youth. Please call (980) 406-1527 or 704.365.3454 ext. 229 to reach our Youth Engagement Staff.
  • For general questions about the ParentVOICE program, please call the Director of Family & Peer Support at (704) 365-3454 ext. 219.

 

ParentVOICE