Family Advocacy

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Family Advocacy Network

The Family Advocacy Network (FAN) is dedicated to expanding access to community-based peer support for families of children receiving special education services in Mississippi public schools. This program empowers families and students to actively engage in the development and meaningful implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs).

FAN also provides support to families on key special education state and federal policies and procedures to better understand their rights and responsibilities and further self-advocacy. Families receive individualized, one-on-one, including assistance with reviewing relevant documentation, identifying red flags, navigating procedural safeguards, and direct advocacy during IEP meetings. This program is provided by a collaborative grant through the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities with additional appropriations assistance through the Administration on Community Living.

For more information, contact Leslie LaVergne, PhD, Interim Associate Director, at Leslie.LaVergne@usm.edu or 601.266.6225.

Family Cohort Network

The Family Cohort Network is an extension of the Family Advocacy Network (FAN), designed to strengthen family engagement across Mississippi’s public school system. This initiative supports regional Family Engagement Cohorts that promote the inclusion of families and K–12 students, particularly those with developmental disabilities.

The primary goal of the cohorts is to foster a peer-to-peer support network that emphasizes shared experiences and the development of self-advocacy skills. Each cohort is facilitated by a regional Parent Facilitator, who collaborates with families to select relevant training topics, conduct community outreach, and organize and lead cohort meetings. This program is provided by a collaborative grant through the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities.

For more information, contact Amy Rhods, Family Engagement and Education Coordinator, at FAN@usm.edu or 601.266.5270.