Parent Partnership Program 

Family Advisors are part of the Family Advisory Network (FAN), a formal group that meets to provide input and recommendations from the parent perspective to improve Centre services and child & family experiences.

• Are parents and primary caregivers of a child (or children) currently using any Centre services or who have recently been discharged (within the past year)
• Are interested in providing input and recommendations from the family perspective to improve services and experiences
• Can help to ensure that Centre services, materials, and initiatives are family-centred and reflect the needs and preferences of families

Time Commitment: Meetings are held 5:30-7:30 p.m., the second Tuesday of the month from September-June (excluding March). Meetings are held in a hybrid format with options to attend in-person (limited onsite childcare provided) or virtually.

We want to engage parents and caregivers in our improvement efforts because we recognize that you offer knowledge, perspectives, and insights that no one else can provide.

To apply for a Family Advisor role, please fill out this form. The Family Engagement Facilitator will contact you to arrange an interview.

The Family Mentor Program matches Centre parents and caregivers who would benefit from additional guidance and support with trained volunteer family mentors who are also Centre parents.

The goal of the program is to empower and strengthen parent and caregiver capacity to care for their child by providing them with additional resources and information on Centre services, events, and education/support opportunities. Evidence-based research shows that peer support reduces feelings of isolation and anxiety, and builds skills and confidence in parents with children who have multiple special needs.

Time Commitment: Flexible and based on the needs of the parent seeking support and the availability of the Volunteer Family Mentor. Mentors may choose not to be matched if the timing isn’t suitable when a new request arises.

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Family Mentor, please email familyengagement@niagarachildrenscentre.com to express interest and find out if there are current openings.

Support Parents are parents or primary caregivers of children with physical, developmental, and/or communication delays or disabilities who partner with Centre staff to co-lead Parent and Caregiver Support Programs. In this role, they offer guidance, emotional support, and share information and resources with other families of children with identified or special needs.

If you are interested in becoming a Support Parent, please email familyengagement@niagarachildrenscentre.com to express interest and find out if there are current openings.

Parents and caregivers do not need any special qualifications to be a Parent Partner. Lived experience is all that is required. The Centre’s Family Engagement Facilitator will help match interested parents and caregivers to the position that best matches their interests, skills, experiences, and availability and provide any needed orientation, training, and support for Parent Partners to succeed in their position.