CENTER FOR FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
Family to Family Network of Virginia
Supporting families of children and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs
Because we have been where you are...
What is a Family Navigator?
A Family Navigator is:
- A free resource
- A parent or primary caregiver who is or has supported a child with disabilities or special health care needs
- Trained to support other families in accessing supports and services for their child and family
- Knowledgeable about local and state resources
"This support is what I really needed because I felt lost."
"The information given helped me feel more confident about advocating for my child."
How can a connection with a Family Navigator help your family?
A Family Navigator can provide:
- One to one emotional support
- Information, referral and linkages to services for your child
- Enhanced support and tools to help you plan for service meetings (i.e., IFSP, IEP, ISP)
- Culturally sensitive and unbiased information so you can make the best choice for your child and family
- Workshops and educational opportunities
Family Navigators provide support and information, and discuss options with families so they can make the best choices for their children. They do not provide legal advice or counseling or advise families on decisions pertaining to their children.
"It makes me feel so good that there are wonderful people out there like you that are so willing and eager to help."
Family Navigators work in collaboration with local agencies and many participate on planning and advisory committees to provide a family perspective on policies and programs for all people with disabilities.
How to contact the Network in your region
CALL (877) 567-1122
VISIT www.centerforfamilyinvolvement.org (click on Family to Family Network tab)
Nickie Brandenburger, F2F Network Director
tnbrandenburg@vcu.edu (804) 827-8770
Statewide Liaisons & Cultural Brokers
Center for Family Involvement staff acting as:
- Liaisons to specific communities (autism, deaf, down syndrome, mental health, military, rural, and visual impairment);
- Cultural brokers to diverse communities (African American Asian, Immigrant/Refugee, Latino)
These staff provide support to F2F Network staff and to families calling the F2F Network. Visit the website (click on Family to Family Network tab; click on Cultural Broker Initiative link) to learn more about their work and contact information.
Center for Family Involvement Contact
Dana Yarbrough, CFI Director
dvyarbrough@vcu.edu (804) 828-0352
Partnership for People with Disabilities
Virginia Commonwealth University
Box 843020
Richmond, VA 23284-3020
Website: www.centerforfamilyinvolvement.vcu.edu
Phone: (877) 567-1122 (English/Español)
Funding for the Family to Family Network of Virginia is provided by the:
- Federal Administration on Developmental Disabilities and Maternal & Child Health Bureau
- Virginia Departments of Education and Health
The Partnership for People with Disabilities is a **University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). VCU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution providing access to education and employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, veteran's status, political affiliation, or disability.
If alternative formats of this information are needed, please contact the Partnership for People with Disabilities at 804/828-3876 (voice) or 711 (TTY Relay).