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DocuSign Envelope ID:636AFD33-DA5C-4B55-88DC-03C0863BAFE3 t A - continued <br /> Provider's Outside Agency Application <br /> MAIN APPLICATION <br /> preventative and proactive approach to addressing the critical needs of the community, and <br /> through cost-effective collaboration, MHAT has been able to further address and meet the <br /> needs of individuals and families in our county who otherwise would not have access to vital <br /> resources needed to live healthy, fulfilling lives. <br /> The Family Advocacy Network (FAN) began in 2000 in response to the need for a child- <br /> focused, family-driven System of Care to meet the mental health needs of the community's <br /> children. Since then, through the work of program staff Family Advocates, MHAT continues to <br /> provide critical support and assistance to parents raising school-age children with emotional or <br /> behavioral issues, mental health issues, learning differences, high-functioning Autism, <br /> substance abuse problems, and other challenges. <br /> FAN Advocates have received best-practice training and offer empathy and insights gained <br /> through their own experience as parents raising children with special needs. Advocates also <br /> offer one-on-one and group support, advocacy, and parenting skills training to help improve <br /> family/youth outcomes. In addition to strengthening parenting skills, parents are connected to <br /> community resources and taught appropriate and effective advocacy skills that better equip <br /> them to interact and navigate with multiple systems - school and special education, <br /> dependency and juvenile court, and treatment services - educating and empowering them to <br /> advocate on behalf of their children. <br /> To effectively reach the community, FAN Advocates maintain a strong presence in juvenile and <br /> dependency court proceedings, court planning, and truancy courts. They also participate in <br /> Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings, Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings, one-on-one <br /> family meetings, and frequently communicate with court counselors, DSS social workers, <br /> educators, as well as providers in face-to-face conversations, telephone and email contact. <br /> The compassionate, nonjudgmental support and services that FAN Advocates provide can be <br /> lifelines for parents juggling challenges at home, school, extra medical needs, increased stress, <br /> strained relationships, and lost work hours as they struggle to meet their children's needs. <br /> Main Application 5/25/2016 9:20:28 AM .. g 5 of 20 <br />