Allegheny Family Network is excited to be a participant in a national research project with a clinical research team and other Family Run Organizations to examine the effectiveness of two different approaches to helping parents and caregivers get the help they need for their children – through peer support for parents and through providing resources to parents.
The PACS (Parent and Caregiver Support) research study welcomes parents and caregivers who have a child between ages 5 and 13 years old who have exhibited behavioral or emotional issues and currently are not receiving services to participate in the study. The parents will receive supportive services or referral services to assist them in navigating the best services for their child while maintaining their family voice and choice.
It is common for elementary school students to exhibit emotional or behavioral problems in school, home, and community settings that can cause concerns. These problems can interfere with a child’s developmental path, school success, and family and social functioning. Prior research has demonstrated that the kind of help Family Run Organizations – such as Allegheny Family Network - has given to parents when their child is experiencing difficulties can help with finding accurate information, the right services, and needed supports.
In addition, to support from AFN, parents who agree to participate in the research also receive monetary compensation up to $235 for their time completing surveys about their experiences.
We need your first-hand experience, so we can help support other families and children who may be struggling. This is a paid opportunity! Parents can call the Parent (412) 438-6136 for more information.
The national study is being conducted by researchers Bruno Anthony, Ph. D., and research assistants Tennyson Dahlman and Jessica Holmes from the University of Colorado and Eric Bruns, Ph.D. from the University of Washington. Family Run Organizations participating include Allegheny Family Network in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with assistance from Betsy Farmer, Dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh and Postdoctoral Fellow Daniel Hyung Jik Lee; and the Oregon Family Support Network in Oregon. It is based on the practice model of the Parent Peer Navigator curriculum, a Pennsylvania statewide curriculum, through the Family Run Executive Directors Leadership Association.