National Family
Support Network
Forum
The National Family Support Network conducts a National Forum each May in Washington, DC to focus attention on the value of Family Resource Centers and Family Support and Strengthening Networks, to highlight progress towards and opportunities for implementing the Advancing the Family Support and Strengthening Field Strategic Recommendations, and to provide participants with a unique opportunity to connect with Family Support and Strengthening Networks from across the country. Key stakeholders working at the systems and policy levels such as national, state, and local policymakers, public departments, Children's Trust Fund staff, private funders, and national nonprofit organizations are welcomed to participate.
Past Forums
2020 National Briefing
In light of the pandemic, the NFSN hosted a virtual National Briefing in lieu of the in-person National Forum. This interactive event, featuring U.S. Children's Bureau Associate Commissioner Jerry Milner, highlighted national, federal, state, and parent perspectives on the value of Family Resource Centers and Family Support and Strengthening Networks, and explored how and why they continue to be scaled across the country. More than 400 stakeholders from 48 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and Canada participated.
2020 Recording Link • 2020 Materials Link
2021 National Briefing
This interactive virtual event designed for stakeholders working at the systems and policy levels focused attention on the value of Family Resource Centers and Family Support and Strengthening Networks, highlighted progress towards and opportunities for implementing the Advancing the Family Support and Strengthening Field Strategic Recommendations, and celebrated the 10th anniversary of the National Family Support Network. The Briefing featured Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman speaking about why the Commonwealth has allocated $1.1M in state general funds for 24 new school-based FRCs to add to their existing 856 FRCs and designated $15M in federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER II) to fund FRCs to address early childhood and mental health issues. Washington State Representative Carolyn Eslick (R) explained why she has championed FRCs recently being added to state statute. Denver Indian FRC Tara McLain Manthey talked about the experience of FRCs working with families through the pandemic and the value of being part of a state Network of FRCs. Paul Cheung shared his experience as a Chinese immigrant father participating in the Joy Lok Family Resource Center in San Francisco, CA.
”Wonderful. This was well worth our travel. I was so impressed.“ – Forum participant
2019 National Forum in Washington, DC.
Panel Speakers on the Value of Investing in Family Support and Strengthening Networks- Christine Calpin (Casey Family Programs), Niurca Louis (NJ Assistant Commissioner of Family and Community Partnerships), and Dr Jerry Milner (Associate Commissioner of the Children’s Bureau) at the 2019 National Forum in Washington, DC.
Maryland Family Network shares its work at 2015 Forum
2019 National Forum in Washington, DC.