Families Together administers the New York State Family Peer Advocate Credential.  As of 2021, over 700 Family Peer Advocate Credentials have been awarded. The establishment of the FPA Credential recognizes the importance of family-to-family support. The intent of this credentialing process is to formally recognize the expertise of Family Peer Advocates, to ensure all advocates demonstrate core competencies, to expand reimbursement possibilities, and to provide opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.

What is a Family Peer Advocate?

Family Peer Advocates have ‘lived-experience’ as the parent (biological, foster, adoptive) or primary caregiver of a child/youth with a social, emotional, behavioral, mental health, or developmental disability).  They receive training to develop skills and strategies to empower and support other families.  They foster effective parent-professional partnership and promote the practice of family-driven and youth-guided approaches.

Family Peer Advocate Provisional Credential

An individual seeking a FPA Credential will typically start with a Provisional Credential.  Please read the FAQ and the Application Instructions before completing the application.

FPA Information for Applicants FAQ
FPA Provisional Credential Application Form and Instructions

NEW: As of October 1, 2022, all paper applications are discontinued. We will no longer accept applications by email or postal mail.  If you require accommodations, please contact us at FPACredential@ftnys.org 

Completion of the PEP Level 1 training is required for the Family Peer Advocate Provisional Credential. If you have not taken the Level 1 training CLICK HERE to get to the FTNYS training page and follow all instructions.  If you have any problems accessing the training, call our office at 518-432-0333, ext.18.

Family Peer Advocate Professional Credential

An individual seeking a FPA Professional Credential must have a valid FPA Provisional Credential AND have completed all components of PEP Level 2 training.  Please re-read the FAQ and the Application Instructions before completing the application form.

Provisional vs Professional Handout PDF
FPA Information for Advocates FAQ
FPA Professional Credential Application Form and Instructions

NEW: As of October 1, 2022, all paper applications are discontinued. We will no longer accept applications by email or postal mail.  If you require accommodations, please contact us at FPACredential@ftnys.org 

Completion of the PEP Level 2 training is required for the Family Peer Advocate Professional Credential.  If you have not taken the Level 2 training CLICK HERE to get to the FTNYS training page and follow all instructions.  If you have any problems accessing the training, call our office at 518-432-0333, ext.18.

Family Peer Advocate Credential Renewal

The Family Peer Advocate Credential is valid for 2 years from the date it was issued.  It must be renewed every 2 years.  It is the responsibility of each FPA to submit the required FPA Credential Renewal paperwork no more than 90 days and no less than 30 days prior to the expiration date of their current, valid credential.

Information for Applicants
FPA Continuing Education and Renewal FAQ
Policy Change Announcement: A Focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion NEW! 

Applications
FPA Credential Renewal Application Form and Instructions

NEW: As of October 1, 2022, all paper applications are discontinued. We will no longer accept applications by email or postal mail.  If you require accommodations, please contact us at FPACredential@ftnys.org 

Additional Forms
Continuing Education Form
FPA Renewal Payment Form

Family Peer Advocate Code of Ethics

Families Together is dedicated to the principle that Family Peer Advocates must meet the highest standards of ethical practice.  To that end, the Family Peer Advocate Workforce Development Advisory Committee (WDAC) has adopted a Code of Ethics specifically for Family Peer Advocates.

The FPA Code of Ethics exists, in part, for the protection of families and to maintain the integrity of the workforce.  It outlines the standards of ethical conduct for all Family Peer Advocates.  Failure to comply with the FPA Code of Ethics may result in a disciplinary action.

A separate document, the FPA Code of Ethics Violation Policies and Procedures, will be used by the WDAC to investigate all alleged violations of the FPA Code of Ethics.  Credentialed Family Peer Advocates are therefore encouraged to thoroughly read and practice in accordance with the FPA Code of Ethics.

Code of Ethics
Code of Ethics Violation Policies and Procedures 

Contact Us

For all general inquires about the FPA Training & Credential pathway, please email FPACredential@FTNYS.org or call (518) 432-0333 ext. 18.

Please allow up to 3 business days for a reply.

Credential Verification Tool

Check Your Status 365/24/7! Search FPAs by first or last name to confirm credential type and expiration date. *Expired credentials will not display. 

E-Tools for Applying

Use these tools to help you complete - and sign! - PDFs as part of the online applications. All documents must include "authentic" signatures (handwritten or electronically using a finger/stylus pen). 


Desktop Version (Free)

Please download and open PDFs in Adobe Reader only

Download Adobe Reader

OR

Mobile App: Smartphones/Tablets (Free)
Please download and open PDFs in Adobe Fill & Sign mobile app on a smartphone or tablet only

Download Adobe Fill & Sign