Parents Supporting Parents: A Wisconsin Parent Partner Model, is an evidence-based model aimed at empowering parents with lived child protective services experience as mentors to parents currently involved in the system, while integrating the voice of lived experience into the Wisconsin child welfare system.
Door County is one of three sites, referred to as Innovation Zones, selected for initial implementation of the PSP Program. Door County will partner with DCF to collaboratively build and champion an infrastructure of lived experience that will inform child welfare system change at the local and state levels. To support this aim, each Innovation Zone will form a local PSP Advisory Council.
Purpose of the PSP Advisory Council
The local advisory council advises PSP Program implementation; makes collective decisions around needed programmatic, policy and service changes; and, identifies opportunities for lived experience to inform and inspire community engagement and system change.
Who should participate?
The local advisory council will be comprised of agency staff, community members, and most importantly, parents. Programs or services that will routinely interface with the PSP Program and Family Well-Being Specialists (parent mentors) should be represented. For example, judges, district attorneys, police, school, community service providers (mental health, AODA, domestic violence, early care and education) and foster parents. The Council may start out small in the beginning and grow over time.
What is the level of commitment?
The Council will meet at a minimum, quarterly each year. Initially the Council may meet more frequently to reflect the amount of work and planning needed for successful PSP Program implementation. The meetings will run for approximately 1 hour and will take place within the community. Attendance is required, but members can send a designee as needed. Council members are asked to commit to one year, which can be extended.
What is the role of Council members?
Council members support the successful implementation and sustainability of the PSP Program. Council members come prepared and ready to participate, share ideas, and propose solutions. As a provider, you will serve as a liaison between the PSP Program (the Council) and the agency or program you represent. As a parent, you will provide valuable input on how the PSP Program and the local community can better support parent engagement and participation. All Council members work together to support program success and the integration of lived experience into the local system of care.
What are the next steps?
Our next steps include identifying Council members and planning the first meeting. Our goal is to hold the first meeting in the fall of 2020. Door County and the United Way are working together to recruit potential Council members. If you are interested, please complete this survey.
Any questions should be directed to:
- Vivian Grair at: vgrair@co.door.wi.us or,
- Rebecca Nicholson at: rebecca@unitedwaydc.com
