Background and History

Family to Family began in the late 1990s.  When First Steps changed from clinic-based services to services provided in the natural environment, families no longer met each other informally in clinic waiting rooms and physical therapy offices.  First Steps families began to express a desire to connect with other families in the program. Family to Family was created to fulfill that desire.

The intent of Family to Family is to recruit family members whose child or children are (or have been) enrolled in the First Steps Early Intervention System. These families are able to then share a wealth of knowledge and experience with families who are new to First Steps. Family to Family provides an organized method for families to channel their expertise to reach others.  

Funding
Family to Family is an initiative through the Unified Training System (UTS).  Family to Family is funded by the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services, First Steps. The grant is managed by the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community's Early Childhood Center (ECC), Indiana University-Bloomington. ECC subcontracts with About Special Kids (ASK) to implement the Parent Liaison/Parent Mentor activities.