What Is The Parent Empowerment Program (PEP)?
The Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) is a training program for Family Peer Advocates (FPAs). PEP training introduces new FPAs to their role and to the skills they will need to effectively engage and empower parents.
PEP Training includes self-paced online modules, an in-person (or virtual) training and a series of coaching phone calls. Successful completion of the Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) Training is required for anyone seeking a Family Peer Advocate Credential in New York State.
Who Should Participate in PEP Training?
FPAs have lived-experience as the parent (biological, foster, adoptive) or primary caregiver of a child/young person with significant social, emotional, developmental, medical, substance use and/or behavioral needs. FPAs provide a service called Family Peer Support.
***If you previously completed the PEP training, including the PEP 2-Day In-Person (pre-covid) or the “Traditional” 5-Day In-Person (pre-2018), you do not need to retake the training.***
How Do I Access the Online PEP Training?
When you click the button below you will be redirected to the Self-Learning Center hosted by our partners from the Community Technical Assistance Center of New York (CTAC). This is where you will access the online training modules.
Additional information about each level of PEP Training is listed in the menus below.
CLICK HERE for a ‘Getting Started’ guide.
Access Code: FPATraining
PEP Level 1 Online Training
Choose this pathway if…
- You are a parent or primary caregiver with ‘lived experience’ navigating one or more child-serving systems for your child with social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, or complex health care needs; and,
- You already have a job as an FPA or if you might be interested in becoming an FPA in the future; and,
- You have never taken and completed ‘traditional’ PEP Training (5-day in-person training).
PEP Level 2 Online Training
Choose this pathway if….
- You have completed the PEP Level 1 Online Training.
- Access will be automatically granted upon completion of the Level 1 post-training self-efficacy questionnaire and post-training knowledge survey.
PEP Level 2 In-Person/Virtual Training
Continue with this pathway ONLY if…
- You hold a current FPA Provisional Credential; and,
- You have completed ALL of the Level 1 and Level 2 online modules; and,
- You are currently providing services that fill within the role of a FPA (employment or volunteer); and,
- You are available to participate in the full training along with 6 weekly coaching calls (schedule TBD).
Availability is limited to the first 12 eligible registrants. If you do not yet meet training requirements, your registration will be cancelled.
2023 TRAINING SCHEDULE
1-hour Orientation on April 19 @ 9:30am – 10:30am
4-day Virtual Training on April 20-21, 24-25 @ 9:30am – 3:00pm each day
Weekly 2-hour Coaching Calls (dates TBA) on Tuesdays @ 10am – 12pm. Trainees are required to participate in a total of 6 coaching calls including an individual presentation.
Registration is currently full! Email FPACredential@ftnys.org to be added to wait-list.
1-hour Orientation on June 21 @ 9:30am – 10:30am
4-day Virtual Training on June 22-23, 26-27 @ 9:30am – 3:00pm each day
Weekly 2-hour Coaching Calls (dates TBA) on Thursdays @ 10am – 12pm. Trainees are required to participate in a total of 6 coaching calls including an individual presentation.
Registration is currently full! Email FPACredential@ftnys.org to be added to wait-list.
1-hour Orientation on August 2 @ 9:30am – 10:30am
4-day Virtual Training on August 3-4, 7-8 @ 9:30am – 3:00pm each day
Weekly 2-hour Coaching Calls (dates TBA) on Thursdays @ 10am – 12pm. Trainees are required to participate in a total of 6 coaching calls including an individual presentation.
Registration is currently full! Email FPACredential@ftnys.org to be added to wait-list.
1-hour Orientation on September 27 @ 9:30am – 10:30am
4-day Virtual Training on September 28 -29, October 2-3 @ 9:30am – 3:00pm each day
Weekly 2-hour Coaching Calls (dates TBA) on Tuesdays @ 10am – 12pm. Trainees are required to participate in a total of 6 coaching calls including an individual presentation.
Email FPACredential@ftnys.org to register today!
1-hour Orientation on November 29 @ 9:30am – 10:30am
4-day Virtual Training on November 30, December 1, 4-5 @ 9:30am – 3:00pm each day
Weekly 2-hour Coaching Calls (dates TBA) on Thursdays @ 10am – 12pm. Trainees are required to participate in a total of 6 coaching calls including an individual presentation.
Email FPACredential@ftnys.org to register today!
QUESTIONS?

This training helped me to understand the importance of culture when engaging and empowering parents.

I feel more confident using active listening skills when speaking with parents.
