NH Family Ties invites veteran parents to help other parents by volunteering to become a Support Parent. We are looking for family members:

1. Who have successfully dealt with their own child's special needs and are in a position in their lives to be able to give something to others

   OR

2. A family member who has completed the online or in-person workshop given by NH Family Ties. This training involves information about Parent to Parent - it's history, philosophy, mission, techniques of the matching process, listening and communication skills

Supporting Parents are listed in our computer database and are contacted by a coordinator to be a "match" when a need arises. Matches are based on "the best fit". If Support Parents are not able-for whatever reasons-to become a match when called, they are free to tell that coordinator. Supporting Parents are asked to initiate a phone call or send an e-mail to the new parent, usually within 24 hours of a match and are asked to make at least three other contacts in the next 4-6 weeks.

Parent matches may involve only a few contacts, or may last a lifetime - all depending on the relationship that is developed. Matched parents are most free and encouraged to let the coordinator know if the match doesn't seem to be meeting their needs, either the Supporting Parent or the new parent. Sometimes there is a good fit, sometimes not. Other matching is then possible for the referred or new parent.