A recent report has brought to light what we at Parent to Parent USA have long known: peer support is crucial for families of children and youth with special health care needs. This research not only validates our mission but also underscores the pressing need for the services we provide.
Key Findings
- 68% of caregivers felt more confident in caring for their child after receiving peer support
- 54% found it easier to advocate for their child’s needs
- 47% reported feeling less stressed
While this survey was conducted in California, the findings strongly resonate with our experiences across our national network.
by: Tali Klima, Mansi Dedhia, and Rachel Willard-Grace
However, the study also revealed a concerning gap: less than half of caregivers had received peer support in the past five years. Even more alarming, only 36% were referred to any kind of peer support by their healthcare providers. These statistics highlight the work that still needs to be done – not just in California, but across the country – to ensure families have access to peer support.
At Parent to Parent USA, we’re committed to bridging this gap. Our 40 Parent to Parent programs across the country all adhere to research- and evidence-based best practices to ensure no parent feels alone, ever. We’re actively exploring ways to expand our reach, including re-establishing a presence in California to meet the clear need identified by this survey.
The study also highlighted disparities in access to peer support, particularly for Latino families and those with limited English proficiency. This underscores the need for culturally competent, linguistically accessible peer support services – an area where Parent to Parent excels.
We invite you to read the full report of the study funded by The Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health and explore the unique and powerful role of peer support. To learn more about Parent to Parent USA and how you can get involved, visit p2pusa.org.