Application for parents and caregivers interested in joining the Family Advisory Board to share lived experience, inform systems change, and/ collaborate with OMH and Families Together in New York State. 

Let’s Talk: Father & Family Engagement Series – In-Person Dadvocating Training and Feedback Discussion (Long Island) 

• • Training on lived experiences, systemic barriers, feedback on services, and recommendations to improve father inclusion, cultural responsiveness, and access to children’s mental health and disability supports. 

Positive Parenting Language Training Handout Slides – CEIE 

• • A training focused on positive parenting language, providing evidence-based strategies, practical examples, and interactive activities to help caregivers strengthen connection, reduce conflict, and support children’s emotional growth through affirming, respectful communication. 

Carrying Culture Into Care: Parent Advocacy That Honors Family Culture, Identity, and Real-Life Barriers 

• • A parent advocacy guide that helps families bring their culture, identity, and real-life barriers into care through practical tips and reflection exercises. 

Increasing Parent Voice in Local and State Committees – Outreach and Recruitment Plan 

• • A plan to intentionally recruit, prepare, and support parents and caregivers with lived experience to serve on local, regional, and statewide boards, committees, and advisory councils shaping policies and services for children and families in New York State.

Native American Heritage Month: Honoring Strength, Storytelling, and Mental Wellness 

• • Infographic celebrating Native American Heritage Month, highlighting traditional practices supporting mental wellness and honoring Indigenous leaders like Wilma M, Dr, Yvette Roubideaux, and Quannah C  

Parent Tip Sheet: Building Natural, Meaningful Support Systems – CEIE 

• • Infographic that provides guidance on building meaningful support systems for families, emphasizing strength based. Inclusive connections and listing various resources for additional assistance. 

Positive Parenting Language Toolkit and Practice Guide – CEIE 

• • A toolkit guide to positive parenting emphasizing consistent, positive communication to enhance child development and strengthen family  

Positive Parenting Toolkit

• • Practical resource that helps caregivers use positive language, routines, and strategies to support children’s emotional regulation, behavior, and connection

The Dangers of Passive Screen Time – Training Toolkit for Attendees and Parent Network

• • Family-focused toolkit that explains passive versus active screen use and offers practical strategies for building healthy, balanced digital habits at home

The Dangers of Passive Screen Time – Training Handout Slides (CEIE)

• • Companion slide deck summarizing key concepts, data, and discussion points from the passive screen time training for easy reference and follow-up

Dadvocating Tools for Fathers – Parent Tip Sheet Guide

• • Concise guide offering fathers practical tools and language to stay engaged, advocate for their children, and navigate systems confidently

• • FAB Application– Family Advocacy Advisory Board
    • • Families Together in New York State, in partnership with the NYS Office of Mental Health, is seeking dedicated parents and caregivers to join the Statewide Family Advisory Board. This is an opportunity to use your lived experience to help shape policies, programs, and services that support children, youth, and families involved in mental health systems. Board members collaborate to advocate for meaningful change across New York State while contributing valuable insight to improve services and outcomes.