The Kentucky Family Peer Support course is designed for family members who support loved ones with mental health, substance use, or developmental challenges. This comprehensive 30-hour program aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to effectively provide peer support, focusing on key areas such as resiliency, risk and protective factors, communication strategies, and community resources. The course blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications, delivered virtually over two weekends. Participants will engage in interactive activities, case studies, and group discussions, fostering a collaborative learning environment. The prerequisite for this course is the Kentucky Family Leadership Academy (KFLA) course. Upon completion, participants will be well-prepared to offer informed, empathetic support to families navigating similar challenges.

Course Eligibility – To enroll in the Family Peer Support Specialist (FPSS) 30-hour course you shall:

(1) Be eighteen (18) years of age or older;

(2) Be a self-identified parent or other family member who has lived experience with a client who has received services related to a mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use disability from at least one (1) child serving agency;

(3) Have a minimum educational requirement of a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) certificate;

(4) Have successfully completed a KFLA training approved by the department;

(5) Successfully complete a KFPSS core competency training approved by the department or receive a training waiver for this requirement in accordance with Section 5 of this administrative regulation; and

(6) Successfully complete, maintain, and submit to the department documentation of a minimum of six (6) hours of related training or education in each subsequent year.