The Family Needs & Strengths (FANS) assessment and outcome tool for Family Peer Support is derived from the Child Needs & Strengths (CANS), developed by Dr. John Lyons in partnership with Family Peer Support Services Program Directors in New York state.

Family Peer Support Partners engage with parents/caregivers as partners in a journey toward empowerment by identifying areas where the parents/caregivers have skills and strengths and yet continues to have some needs and understanding for support, information, and knowledge with and about services in the child-serving systems.

The outcomes demonstrated by the FANS illustrate when parents are connected with Family Peer Support expertise, there is an increase in knowledge, and the skills needed to meet the challenges of their child are enhanced.

WHY FANS?

• FANS creates an opportunity for parent/caregiver to develop focused priorities and goals for themselves that will in turn support their child or youth to succeed.
• The FANS tool documents proof of successful outcomes for Family Peer Support Services (FPSS) highlighting the need for continued inclusion, development, and expansion of FPSS within all child serving systems.

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