Statewide Family Networks

Prepared by Elizabeth Sweet, M.Ed., Public Health Advisor, Child, Adolescent, and Family Branch, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Statewide Family Networks are funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The purpose of the networks is to enhance state capacity and infrastructure to better respond to the needs of children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbance and their families by providing information, referrals, and support. The networks also create a mechanism for families to participate in State and local mental health services planning and policy development.

The National Federation of Families, another resource for children’s mental health, is a national family-run organization linking more than 120 chapters and state organizations focused on the issues of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs and substance use challenges and their families.