Hawaii Families As Allies, the Hawaii state chapter of the National Federation, will conduct training, provide technical assistance and support, and disseminate information aimed at increasing the involvement of families whose children and youth have SED (estimated at 2,300) in all levels of Hawaii’s System of Care. We will serve the entire state of Hawaii, with the goal of impacting 200 families over the 3-year contract term. HFAA will empower families throughout Hawaii through activities designed to provide them with the attitudes, skills, and knowledge needed to effectively participate at all levels of Hawaii’s System of Care.
Goal 1 will be to increase the capacity of Peer Parent Support for families who have youth with SED that are detained at the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility. Peer Parent Support will be implemented with at least 50% of the Families who have a youth with SED who are detained at HYCF by the end of the project.
Goal 2 is to elevate Peer Parent Support locally by developing infrastructure. By providing training and technical assistance for grassroots family-driven and youth-guided recovery support organizations, we will increase the capacity for family engagement across multiple systems including mental health, juvenile justice and child welfare.
As a result of implementing activities to achieve its objectives, HFAA will create a corps of family members with the motivation and capacity to develop and implement as agents of change to effect systems change. HFAA will also impact key child-serving agencies through increased partnerships and outreach focused on a greater understanding of the benefits of welcoming and empowering families to become active participants in the treatment and services for their children and youth