Devereux welcomed as affiliate partner of National Federation of Families

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health was recently welcomed as an affiliate partner of the National Federation of Families (NFF), a family-run organization focused on improving the lives of children with mental health and/or substance use challenges – and their families.

As an affiliate partner, Devereux will have an opportunity to network and collaborate with more than 115 other state, local and partner affiliates across the U.S. that are committed to serving and supporting youth and families in need.

“At Devereux, our families play an integral role in achieving successful treatment and outcomes for the individuals in our care,” said Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM. “Becoming an affiliate partner of the NFF allows us to stay up to date on national advocacy and family engagement initiatives and build partnerships with families, professionals and policymakers.”

2021 NFF Conference

In November, the NFF will hold its annual conference, featuring workshops and presentations on a variety of topics, including using advocacy and leadership to facilitate change; finding solutions for challenging behaviors; asking for help when you are a helper; and more.

Kelly, whose 19-year-old daughter, Annie, has autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities, will present a workshop at the virtual conference on how to assist families who receive a diagnosis of autism or other mental or behavioral health conditions.

“I will share the family perspective of what it feels like to receive a diagnosis and navigate the complex systems of care,” Kelly explained. “I also will provide practical tips that clinicians and families can put to use immediately in treatment and care, and offer coping strategies to avoid burnout. In addition, I will discuss the importance of building a trusting, transparent relationship between providers and families.”

About the NFF

The NFF serves as a national voice for families of children with mental health and/or substance use challenges. Specifically, the NFF:

Advocates at the national level for the inclusion of the family voice in services and supports across clinical, educational and community settings
Promotes effective partnerships among families, professionals and policymakers at the local, state and national level
Advances the value of lived experience and the family peer workforce to support families
Collaborates with family-run and mission-aligned organizations to transform family-serving systems and healthcare in the U.S.

Learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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