Parent-to-Parent Support
Connect with a Parent Who Understands
Talk to another parent who’s walked a similar path. Our Support Parents offer listening ears, practical wisdom, and the kind of encouragement only someone who’s been there can provide.
Parents Helping Parents
Parent-to-Peer Support is a peer mentorship program that connects families with experienced Support Parents. These are parents and caregivers who have navigated similar challenges and want to share their journey with others.
Unlike professional counseling or legal advice, Parent-to-Parent offers:
- Empathetic listening from someone who’s been in your shoes
- Practical wisdom about what worked for their family
- Emotional support without judgment
- Hope that things can get better
Our Support Parents are trained in peer support fundamentals, empathetic listening, and maintaining appropriate boundaries. They’re here to walk alongside you—not solve your problems, but help you feel less alone.
How Parent-to-Parent Works
Step 1: Reach Out
Tell us about your family.
Contact us by calling 800-264-6343 or filling out our Parent-to-Parent form. We’ll ask some simple questions about your family, your child’s diagnosis or situation, and what kind of support would be most helpful.
Step 2: Get Matched
We connect you with the right Support Parent.
We match you with a Support Parent based on shared experiences—such as similar diagnoses, age of your child, specific challenges (sibling issues, medical needs, transition to adulthood, etc.). Both you and the Support Parent sign a confidentiality agreement so you can feel safe sharing.
Step 3: Connect & Grow
Build a supportive relationship.
You’ll be able to speak with (or text) your matched Support Parent by phone or video chat. Share as much or as little as you’d like—there’s no pressure. Many families find that one conversation helps, while others develop ongoing connections.
Topic Talks: Virtual Parent Connections
In addition to one-on-one matching, we offer Topic Talks—free, one-hour online sessions held twice monthly where parents can connect with others who understand.
Each session focuses on a specific topic announced ahead of time, such as:
- Navigating the IEP process
- Supporting siblings
- Transition planning for adulthood
- Self-care for parents
- Dealing with school challenges
- And more
Topic Talks are open to all Kansas parents and caregivers of children with disabilities or special health care needs. It’s a great way to build community and learn from others’ experiences.
Want to Help Other Families?
Consider becoming a Support Parent. This is a volunteer opportunity for parents who want to give back and support other families navigating similar challenges.
What it involves:
- Complete our online, self-guided Parent-to-Parent training
- Get matched with a parent who could benefit from your experience
- Offer empathetic listening and share your family’s journey
- Typically 1-2 calls per month (depending on your availability)
Requirements:
- Must be a parent/caregiver of a child with a disability or special health care need
- Complete the training program
- Sign a confidentiality agreement
- Have a desire to support other families
If you’re interested, fill out our Parent-to-Parent form and we’ll be in touch to learn more about you and answer any questions.
Is Parent-to-Parent Right for You?
You might benefit from Parent-to-Parent Support if you:
- Just received a diagnosis and feel overwhelmed
- Need someone to talk to who truly understands
- Are facing a new challenge and want practical advice
- Feel isolated and want to connect with other parents
- Are preparing for a major transition (school, adulthood)
- Want to learn from someone who’s been there
You don’t need to be in crisis—Parent-to-Parent Support is for any parent who could benefit from connection. Even if you just want to talk to someone who gets it, we’re here.
What Our Families are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Parent-to-Parent Support and Individual Assistance?
Individual Assistance involves working with a Family Resource Specialist who provides information, resources, and problem-solving help. Parent-to-Parent connects you with a peer mentor (a parent volunteer) for emotional support and shared experiences. Many families benefit from both!
Is this confidential?
Yes. Both families and Support Parents sign a confidentiality agreement. What you share stays between you and your matched Support Parent.
Can I request a specific type of parent?
We’ll ask about your preferences during the intake process and try to make the best match possible based on diagnosis, your child’s age, specific challenges, and other factors. While we can’t guarantee a specific match, we do our best to pair you with someone who understands your situation.
Is this counseling or therapy?
No. Parent-to-Parent Support is peer support—not professional counseling or therapy. Our Support Parents are trained in empathetic listening, but they’re not licensed therapists. If you need professional mental health support, we can help connect you with appropriate resources.
How long do conversations typically last?
There’s no set time. Some parents have a single 30-minute call, while others develop ongoing relationships. Talk with your Support Parent about what works for both of you.
Can I become a Support Parent even if my child is an adult?
Yes! Parents of children of any age can become Support Parents. Life experience as a parent of a child with a disability—whether your child is 5 or 25—is valuable.
What if I don't connect with my matched Support Parent?
That’s okay. Let us know and we can try to match you with someone else. The goal is finding a connection that feels right for you.
