FACT recognizes the strengths and knowledge of families and the key role they play in the lives of not only their own family members, but also in the lives of others on a similar journey. FACT parent mentor program supports families connecting and supporting one another through the IEP process. Having a friend or neighbor attend an IEP can often provide the necessary support for you to participate effectively on your child’s team as their number one fan and advocate. This support can often be natural (i.e., family member, friend, or someone from a parent group or organization).
FACT P2P is a formal process of requesting an IEP parent mentor (more about FACT P2P here). An IEP parent mentor connection might be talking by phone, interacting online, or meeting in person. Parent mentors can assist families in many ways that could include helping a parent prepare input for an IEP, identifying key questions or issues that need addressing, answering questions, and providing encouragement and support. Parent mentors are volunteers whose goal is to support you in being an effective, efficient advocate for your child.