Building Nevada’s Family Peer Support Workforce

The Family Peer Support Network of Nevada (FPSNN), a program of Nevada PEP, collaborated closely with the State of Nevada, Nevada Medicaid, and the Nevada Certification Board to develop the statewide training and certification pathway for Nevada’s new Family Peer Support workforce. FPSNN also played a key role in promoting and shaping this new Nevada Medicaid benefit, ensuring that Family Peer Support services are recognized as an essential component of the children’s behavioral health system.

Rooted in the value of family voice and lived experience, FPSNN provides dynamic training, technical assistance, and support that empowers Family Peer Support Specialists (FPSSs) and Supervisors to serve Nevada families with confidence, purpose, and authenticity.

What is Family Peer Support?

Family Peer Support is an evidence‑based practice where parents and caregivers who have personally navigated behavioral health and child‑serving systems on behalf of their own children, provide structured guidance, advocacy, and support to families experiencing similar challenges. By drawing on lived experience and formal training, Family Peer Support Specialists (FPSSs) help families engage with services, understand complex systems, and feel supported by someone who truly understands their journey.

Why it Matters

Research shows that Family Peer Support strengthens engagement, builds resilience, and leads to better outcomes for children and youth. Families often report:

Reduced isolation and stigma
Less internalized blame and shame
Improved self‑care and stress management
Greater acceptance and understanding of their child’s needs

These outcomes lead to stronger family participation, higher satisfaction, and more effective treatment engagement—outcomes that strengthen both families and Nevada’s behavioral health system.