Family Leadership Programs

Family Leadership Program

MCF offers multiple family leadership development opportunities each year in communities across Maryland. These 2-day events enhance parent and caregiver skills so they can better navigate systems of care and become stronger advocates for their children, themselves, their families, and their communities.

As a Family Leadership Program participant, you will attend workshops focused on:

• understanding your child’s behavioral health needs.
• learning practical strategies to help your child.
• learning to navigate special education services and other systems you and your family rely on.
• finding your voice to be the best advocate for your child, yourself, your family and your community.
• learning and practicing self-care skills.

Workshops are conducted by MCF staff with lived experience caring for their own child with behavioral health challenges, local leaders who guide policy decisions that impact you and your family, and behavioral health professionals offering critical services in your community.

You will create your own personal action plan to guide how you will take what you learned and turn it into action. You will also leave with new connections to other parents and caregivers with similar experiences who will offer ongoing support, friendship, and hope.

Program graduates join the Family Leadership Program alumni group to continue to learn, grow, and use the skills they acquired in the Program. Program alumni have served on committees, commissions, and workgroups to provide family voice on key policy decisions, testified in Annapolis on proposed legislation, participated in focus groups to collect feedback, and served as mentors to other parents and caregivers in the Program.

This program is available only to individuals who have not yet participated.