Welcome To Wisconsin Family Ties
Changing Lives by Improving Children’s Mental Health
Wisconsin Family Ties believes that all children deserve educational opportunities that foster success, service systems that are equipped to detect and effectively treat mental health issues, and communities that recognize and plan for their needs.
Above all, we believe that children belong at home and that parents are the experts on their own child’s needs. They should be respected collaborators in the conversation related to the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the services in which their child is involved. Parents don’t have to be perfect, but they do deserve judgment-free acknowledgement of their strengths and support to meet their self-identified needs.
Wisconsin Family Ties believes that all people are capable of, and desire, growth and improvement. We walk beside families to provide emotional support while helping them to navigate the complex service and treatment systems with which they are involved.
Children Come First Conference
November 6-7th, 2023
Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells
Join us at the Kalahari Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells on November 6-7 for the highly anticipated 2023 Children Come First Conference, hosted by Wisconsin Family Ties. As one of the largest and longest-running family-driven events in the state, this conference is dedicated to addressing the pressing needs of children and families living with mental and behavioral health issues.
The Children Come First Conference brings together a diverse audience, including parents, caregivers, social workers, educators, school support staff, and various professional service providers from counties and communities. The CCF Conference informs participants and engages them in meaningful discussions, equipping them with valuable insights and resources.
We are honored to present two exceptional keynote speakers at this year’s conference. Angeline Boulley, an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is a renowned storyteller who writes about her Ojibwe community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Her debut novel, “Firekeeper’s Daughter,” has received critical acclaim, becoming an instant #1 New York Times Bestseller.
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%
Adults Concerned About Their Children's Mental Health
%
Young adults in Wisconsin experiencing any mental illness
Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health, 2021 Annual Report
Parent Peer Specialist Program
Our Parent Peer Specialist (PPSs) program links trained parent peers with parents who, for a variety of reasons, need help and hope. Our PPSs are parents or primary caregivers of children with social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. They use their experience and training to help families navigate the complex systems that serve children.
“Wisconsin Family Ties was a lifeline. They gave us emotional support and hope. Our Parent Peer Specialist gave us confidence as parents and taught us how to be advocates for ourselves and our son. We really felt like someone understood what we were saying and going through.”
Programs
Our programs are designed to empower and support families while working to drive systems change. Our Parent Peer Specialists are parents of children with similar needs as the families they serve, uniquely equipped to see, understand and explain family needs from a parent perspective. We bring that perspective to our Training, Research and Advocacy Programs as well.
Training
Always Learning. Always Growing. Always Sharing. Our Parent Peer Specialist program links trained parent peers with parents who, for a variety of reasons, need help and hope. View our upcoming webinars & in-person training opportunities.
Research
We conduct research to confirm that our programs address the unique needs of parents, children, and families. We also contribute to the growing body of research focused on peer support, children’s mental health, and family-run organizations
Advocacy
Wisconsin Family Ties monitors and evaluates local, state and federal issues, and participates in educational and advocacy efforts, that prioritize support for families with children living with mental health needs.
News from Wisconsin Family Ties
One Family’s Story • Loving Tough: When the Family Drives the Team
One Family’s Story Loving Tough: When the Family Drives the Team Joan and Doug Maynard When our son was younger and experiencing behavioral problems, we wished for a wraparound program for support. He had had run-ins with the law, a psychiatric hospitalization, was...
Al Schultz receives Volunteer Award • CCFC 2022 • Wisconsin Dells, WI
Video of Al Schultz receiving the Volunteer Award from the Wisconsin Family Ties staff at the Children Come First Conference held Nov 7-8, 2022 at the Kalahari Resort • Wisconsin Dells.
Wisconsin Family Ties Statement on School Shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, TX
Wisconsin Family Ties Statement on School Shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas Wisconsin Family Ties is saddened and infuriated by the shooting that took the lives of 19 children and two adults this week at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. We cannot...
Anyone Can Request Help from Wisconsin Family Ties
Wisconsin Family Ties receives referrals for service from parents, county human services employees, educators, and medical/mental health professionals. If you or someone you know can benefit from the support we provide, know that anyone can make a referral for our services.
Please contact our Connection Coordinator or complete our online Request Services Form. We will make every effort to reply within two to three business days.
Connections Coordinator
connect@wifamilyties.org
Phone: (800) 422-7145, ext. 1
Anyone Can Request Help from Wisconsin Family Ties
Wisconsin Family Ties receives referrals for service from parents, county human services employees, educators, and medical/mental health professionals. If you or someone you know can benefit from the support we provide, know that anyone can make a referral for our services.
Please contact our Connection Coordinator or complete our online Request Services Form. (Link to referral form) We will make every effort to reply within two to three business days.
Connections Coordinator
connect@wifamilyties.org
(800) 422-7145, ext. 1
We Need Your Help
Show your support and become a part of our commitment to improving children’s mental health. Your donation will help Wisconsin families succeed.
Address
Wisconsin Family Ties
16 N. Carroll St., Ste. 230
Madison, WI 53703
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Supporting families & changing lives by improving children's mental health.
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Supporting families & changing lives by improving children's mental health.
Address
Wisconsin Family Ties
16 N. Carroll St., Ste. 230
Madison, WI 53703
Phone & Fax
Support Our Work
Affliations