What is the role of a Support Parent?  What do Support Parents do?

As a representative of Parent to Parent of New York State, a Support Parent provides emotional support and information to families of individuals with disabilities or other special needs. A Support Parent provides a safe listening environment and can be a wealth of information to other families. Listening is a priority.

Support Parents connect with other families, either by telephone or by e-mail, and provide a kind of understanding that no one else can provide. Support Parents participate in "active listening" and provide an opportunity for openness in a non-judgmental relationship. Support Parents DO NOT provide any form of medical advice or professional counseling.

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