About the Connecticut Family Support Network

Executive Director: Jennifer Carroll
(877) 376-2329 or jtcarroll@cox.net
[CTFSN brochure]

Mission Statement:

The Connecticut Family Support Network (CTFSN) exists to help families raising children with disabilities and special health care needs. 

Goals:

1. Provide family support, in the way of direct 1:1 support, support groups, email list serves, educational training and workshops across Connecticut to families in their homes and communities.

2. Collaborate with state agencies and advocacy organizations to ensure families have access to and use of programs and services in Connecticut that help families raising children with disabilities and special health care needs. 

3. Participate in systems change, ensuring that policy is designed in a way that meets the needs of these children and their families.

Purpose:

Across six (6) regions of Connecticut, the Regional Coordinators of the Connecticut Family Support Network link families with information that will help them access supports and services and learn to advocate effectively for their own needs and the needs of their children. The CTFSN collaborates in a unique variety of ways with the Connecticut Family Support Council (CTFSC), state agencies and partner advocacy organizations to represent the needs of families in efforts to improve programs and services, enhance existing policy and help to develop new policy in Connecticut. 

We can help!
The CT Family Support Network is a network of families who have children with disabilities. They are parents interested in helping other parents to find the supports they need. The Network was created by the Connecticut Family Support Council, a legislatively established partnership of parents and professionals working to improve supports for families of children with disabilities.

What support can I find through my local family support network?

  • Access to local and statewide email listserves for sharing and accessing information and resources
  •  Networking and socializing with other families Parent training and educational workshop
  • A collective voice that reaches policymakers
  • Agency referrals
  • A philosophy that empowers parents
  • Community-based assistance and support
  • Telephone support
  • Web-site links
  • Regular Parent Support Group meetings
  • IFSP and PPT preparation support
  • Help with advocating for local programs/services