Family Partners Resource Library
The Family Partners Program Resource Library was created by Sandhills Center and NC Families United. It is meant to help families who need information on topics such as parenting, child development, trauma and grief, suicide prevention, substance use disorder, service organizations, and educational resources. We hope this information will help you find answers to any questions you might have.
For more information, visit the Family Partners Program page and contact the Family Partner in your area. Your family Partner can provide you with printed information on anything you find in this library.
SANDHILLS CENTER RESOURCES
This Sandhills Center website contains information for families, including a link to look up providers of mental health, substance abuse, or developmental disabilities services for adults and children. There is a link that provides access to anonymous self-screenings, educational resources, and referral information in English and Spanish. There is a link to the Family Partners Program that provides contact information for Family Partners and a calendar of upcoming events.
- Sandhills Center home page -- SandhillsCenter.org
- Sandhills Center NC Medicaid Direct/Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Tailored Plan -- (note that NC Medicaid Direct began on April 1, 2023, and the Tailored Plan is expected to launch at a later date, yet to be determined).
- Sandhills Center Provider Directory
- Access2Care – Web-based self-screening, information and referral.
- Family Partners calendar of events – includes contact information for your region.
NC MEDICAID RESOURCES
NC Medicaid Ombudsman -- You can contact the NC Medicaid Ombudsman with questions or issues you have been unable to resolve working with your health plan or provider as we transition to the new NC Medicaid managed care model of service delivery. ncmedicaidombudsman.org
NC Medicaid Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Tailored Plan through the NC Medicaid Ombudsman website -- ncmedicaidombudsman.org/tailored-plans
NC Medicaid Enrollment Broker -- The Enrollment Broker provides services to help beneficiaries learn about their NC Medicaid health care options, find information about health care options and primary care providers, and enroll in a healthcare option: ncmedicaidplans.gov/enroll
ADVOCACY RESOURCES
NC Families United -- NC Families United advocates for children, youth, and families with mental health challenges. It offers useful, practical resources and a place where parents and young adults can find links to resources in their community. NC Families United and Sandhills Center work together to bring you this valuable resource. ncfamiliesunited.org
North Carolina Collaborative for Children, Youth, and Families -- Through a System of Care framework, this statewide organization provides a forum for collaboration, advocacy and action among families, public and private agencies that serve children and families, and community partners. The organization aims to improve outcomes for all children, youth and families. It also provides technical assistance and training on System of Care practices and principles. A useful feature of this site is an interactive map that highlights information about local community collaboratives throughout North Carolina. The State Collaborative meets the second and fourth Fridays of each month. nccollaborative.org
Child Advocate – Serves the needs of children, families, and professionals while addressing mental health, medical educational, legal and legislative issues. childadvocate.net
Children’s Advocacy Center of North Carolina -- Children’s Advocacy Centers can make a positive difference in the lives of abused children and provide advocacy by bringing the professional to the child instead of asking children and their families to access services through many different portals. cacnc.org
Autism Society of North Carolina – Improves the lives of individuals with autism, advocates at local and state levels, supports families and educates communities. This site contains a number of resources on topics such as transitioning to adulthood, staying safe in school, toolkits, and a link that allows families to connect to autism specialists in every North Carolina county. autismsociety-nc.org
NC Fetal Alcohol Prevention Program – Strives to prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies by providing training, education and resources to women of childbearing age. fasdinnc.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness-North Carolina (NAMI-NC) – Features the latest information on mental illness, medication and treatment. It also provides resources for support and advocacy, including a link to find your local NAMI chapter. The NAMI-NC Information Helpline is 1-800-451-9682. naminc.org
NC Child -- Primarily a policy and advocacy website. It contains county-specific Child Data Report Cards and information on advocacy initiatives in NC. ncchild.org
Youth.gov -- A federal government website that supports programs and services focusing on youth. Included are youth facts and links to topics that affect youth, such as runaways, LGBTQ, gang involvement, young parenting, children of incarcerated parents, etc. The website also includes information for groups interested in working with youth, and tools to help community youth-oriented groups keep up to date on the latest youth-related news. youth.gov
Mental Health America (MHA) – A nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of people living with mental illness, and promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. MHA’s website provides information about screening tools and resources for finding help. The website also allows families to find MHA groups in their community. mentalhealthamerica.net
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) -- Works to end drunk and drugged driving. It also supports the victims of these violent crimes, and works to prevents underage drinking. MADD’s website offers ways to take action and information about support groups. It also provides fact sheets and a Power of Parents handbook. madd.org
PFLAG – This organization was created to serve as an extended family for the LGBTQ community. They advocate for safety and equality at all levels including legislation, schools, health care, etc. Local chapters do advocacy work and have support groups that meet throughout the state. pflag.org
EDUCATION
Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC) – Provides information to families on a wide variety of topics including Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), autism, bullying, social skills, learning disabilities, preschoolers, toddlers and much more. This site is particularly valuable to families with children who may need additional help at school. Families also can sign up for the ECAC newsletter. ecac-parentcenter.org/resources-overview
North Carolina PTA (NCPTA) -- North Carolina’s oldest and largest volunteer organization advocating for the education, health, safety, and success of all children and youth while building strong families and communities. Local, state and national PTA programs are offered or coordinated by the North Carolina PTA to help families and educators reach identified goals. Leaders and members can choose to participate at various levels based on the needs and interests of each PTA community. ncpta.org
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction – Includes information on a wide variety of topics including directories of state and local public schools and staff, and charter schools and staff. It also provides information about parent communication, exceptional children’s services, early education, student resources, military support, the North Carolina Governor’s School, news updates and special events. ncpublicschools.org
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) -- This organization has worked on LGBTQ issues in K-12 education since 1990. They provide resources and support for creating safe and affirming school environments that are free from harassment and bullying. glsen.org
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
American Red Cross -- Provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and disaster preparedness education. redcross.org
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) -- Provides emergency assistance and disaster relief including help with lodging and home repairs for families impacted by disasters. fema.gov
LEGAL RESOURCES
North Carolina Lawyer Referral Service – Provides referrals to lawyers within your county. It also can provide information regarding other legal resources that may be available. ncbar.org/public-resources
Legal Aid of North Carolina – This statewide nonprofit law firm provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people in order to ensure equal access to justice and to remove legal barriers to economic opportunity. legalaidnc.org
Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC) – This is the federally designated protection and advocacy agency for the state. DRNC offers resources for self-advocacy including fact sheets, guides and videos about the rights of people with disabilities. In addition they engage in strategic civil litigation, advocate for policy changes, and work to educate the public about disability rights and the disability community. disabilityrightsnc.org
North Carolina Bar Association -- The NC Bar Association's website has a comprehensive list of legal aid/service providers, children's services providers, law school clinics and state agencies/other resources. ncbar.org/public-resources
MENTAL HEALTH
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – This is the lead federal agency for research on mental health disorders. The NIMH his site also contains a library of information on many types of mental health issues such as anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, suicide prevention, PTSD, attention deficit disorder, and many more topics. This site provides links to free brochures and fact sheets which can be downloaded and printed. nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) – ACES Too High is a news site that reports on research about adverse childhood experiences, including developments in epidemiology, neurobiology, and the biomedical and epigenetic consequences of toxic stress. It also covers how people, organizations, agencies and communities are implementing practices based on the research. This includes developments in education, juvenile justice, criminal justice, public health, medicine, mental health, social services, and cities, counties and states. This site includes information on child trauma, attachment, resilience, school discipline, child abuse prevention and early child development. acestoohigh.com
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACP) – The AACP’s Facts for Families provides concise and up to date information on issues that affect children, teens and their families. aacap.org/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Provides information and publications regarding a variety of behavioral health topics such as mental illness, substance use disorders, related conditions and treatment options. store.samhsa.gov/issues-conditions-disorders
National Alliance on Mental Illness-North Carolina (NAMI) – Features the latest information on mental illness, medication and treatment. In addition, it offers resources for support and advocacy, including a link to find a local NAMI chapter. The NAMI-NC Information Helpline is 1-800-451-9682. naminc.org/resources/useful-links/
Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) – Strives to improve the lives of individuals with autism. The organization advocates at local and state levels, supports families and educates communities. Their website contains a number of resources on topics such as transitioning to adulthood, staying safe in school, toolkits, and a link that allows families to connect with an autism specialist in every North Carolina county. autismsociety-nc.org
Mental Health America (MHA) – A nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals living with mental illness, and promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. MHA provides information about screening tools and resources for finding help. Their website allows families to find MHA groups within their communities. mentalhealthamerica.net
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) – Provides information, resources and networking opportunities to those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. add.org
North Carolina Center for Child and Family Health (NCCTP) -- This organization works to improve the health and functioning of infants, children, adolescents and families who are coping with attachment difficulties, trauma symptoms, and significant behavioral/emotional challenges. This group certifies North Carolina therapists in various evidenced-based therapies. Their website also has a feature that allows families to find therapists in their communities who are certified in a variety of evidenced-based therapies such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC), and Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS). ncchildtreatmentprogram.org/program-roster
PARENTING, CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND CHILD HEALTH
Youth.gov -- This federal government website supports programs and services that focus on youth. Included are youth facts, links to youth topics (runaways, LGBTQ, gang involvement, young parenting, children of incarcerated parents, etc.), funding information for groups interested in working with youth, and tools to help community youth-oriented groups keep up to date on the latest, youth-related news. youth.gov
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) – Facts for Families provides concise and up-to-date information about issues that affect children, teens and their families. aacap.org
North Carolina Fetal Alcohol Prevention Program (FASDinNC) – This program strives to prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies by offering training, education and resources to women of childbearing age. fasdinnc.org
Child Welfare Information Gateway – Provides helpful resources for foster families. The organization promotes the safety, permanency and well-being of children, youth, and families by connecting child welfare (departments of social services in North Carolina), adoption and related professionals. The Child Welfare Information Gateway also connects the public to information, resources and tools that cover topics on child welfare, child abuse and neglect, out-of-home care, adoption, and more. childwelfare.gov
Adoptive Families – Helps families get support and advice as they learn to prepare for adoption, form an attachment with their child, help friends and family understand, gain the trust of a child adopted at an older age, and instill a strong cultural identity in an adopted child. This organization also provides a wealth of resources including a newsletter, access to a library, webinars, etc. This site includes a joining fee. adoptivefamilies.com
Center for Parent Information and Resources – Supporting parents and families of children with disabilities. Includes links to resources regarding developmental transition issues, trauma-informed practices, webinars, events, etc. parentcenterhub.org
KidsHealth – Information for parents, kids, teens and educators on a number of topics including nutrition, emotions, first aid, puberty, relaxation, sexual health, school and jobs for teens, sports, etc. The KidsHealth website includes a link to “Kids Health in the Classroom” for teachers. kidshealth.org
Safe Child – Works to eliminate abuse and empower families. Resources are available on safety, parenting, trauma, stress, financial literacy, etc. Includes the National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD. safechildnc.org
Grand Families – Resources for grandparents raising grandchildren within and outside the child welfare system. grandfamilies.org
Triple P Online in NC -- The Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) offers advice and ideas to help parents create a positive home environment for their children. This resource is now accessible to North Carolina parents through the program’s Triple P Online and Teen Triple P Online courses. Parents and caregivers of children in North Carolina are invited to sign up and participate in Triple P online modules at their own pace. triplep-parenting.com/nc-en/triple-p
Healthy Children by the American Academy of Pediatrics -- This website contains information about children at all stages of development. It contains free articles, videos and audio on health, teen sexuality, independence, money management, summer jobs, safety of younger children, shyness, low self-esteem, understanding temperament, handling difficult children and much more. healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx
Parent Resource Center – This program tries to reduce child and adolescent substance abuse by providing information, education, consultation, technical assistance, advocacy and services. This website provides a variety of resources including information on talking to youth about substance use disorders, prescription medication misuse, the MADD organization, the Marijuana Talk Kit, a toll-free helpline, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a bullying phone app, and much more. ncparentresourcecenter.org/resources/parents/
Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) – This organization improves the lives of individuals with autism, advocates at local and state levels, supports families and educates communities. This website contains a number of resources on topics such as transitioning to adulthood, staying safe in school, toolkits and a link that allows a family to connect to an autism specialist in every North Carolina county. autismsociety-nc.org
Community Impact North Carolina – Provides resources to parents to assist them in addressing substance use disorder. It also offers information to those interested in developing community coalitions to address harm caused by substances. impactcarolina.org/family
Military Child -- Information to help families who have a parent in the military. There are educational topics including issues related to frequent moves and much more. militarychild.org
STATE AND NATIONAL AGENCIES/ORGANIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – This is the nation’s health protection agency that works 24 hours a day, seven days a week to protect America from health and safety threats – both foreign and domestic. The CDC provides resource information on violence prevention, the effects of trauma, vaccines, disease prevention, tobacco use, substance use disorder, obesity, adverse childhood experiences and much more. cdc.gov
North Carolina Client Assistance Program (CAP) – Helps people with disabilities understand and access rehabilitation services. The CAP website explains the nature of the various services available from the different state agencies’ rehabilitation programs. Refers people with non-rehabilitation needs to other appropriate resources. cap.state.nc.us
Goodwill Industries -- Goodwill works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need to reach their full potential through learning and the power of work. Their website includes a search filter that allows families to find local Goodwill chapters where they can find support, a job and educational opportunities. goodwill.org
North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Services (NCVR) – Helps people with disabilities achieve their goals for employment and independence. There is no cost to apply or to find out if you are eligible for VR services. Services are offered statewide. Call 1-800-215-7227 for a referral. ncdhhs.gov/dvrs
Veterans Affairs -- Resources and information for military veterans and their families. usa.gov/federal-agencies/u-s-department-of-veterans-affairs#tpcs
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER, PARENTING AND PREVENTION
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) -- Works to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, supports the victims of these violent crimes, and prevents underage drinking. Their website provides fact sheets, information about support groups, and a "Power of Parents" handbook. It also offers suggestions about ways to take action against impaired driving. madd.org
Lock Your Meds -- Provides resources for the Lock Your Meds Campaign and a MEDucation Kit that teaches parents lessons on the problem of substance use disorders and the solutions that are available. lockyourmeds.org
National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) -- Supports and conducts research on the impacts that alcohol use has on health and well-being. The organization also provides publications directed to parents including Make a Difference: Talk to Your Child About Alcohol. pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/MakeADiff_HTML/makediff.htm
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) -- Provides a wealth of knowledge and resources for parents, including guides for preventing drug abuse and information about seeking drug treatment. drugabuse.gov/parents-educators
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids -- An organization working to reduce substance use disorders among adolescents by supporting families and engaging with teens. Their website provides a Parent Toolkit. drugfree.org
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – SAMHSA works to reduce the impact of substance use disorders and mental illness on America’s communities, including through their campaign to prevent underage drinking. samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS SUPPORT GROUPS AND TREATMENT SERVICES LOCATORS
Al-Anon Family -- Family and friends of people with alcohol misuse disorder can find understanding and support through group meetings, podcasts and other resources. al-anon.org
Alateen – Offers peer support groups for teens who struggle with the effects of someone else’s alcohol use disorder. al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-alateen-meeting
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) -- Helps families find AA meetings near them as well as brochures directed at young people. aa.org/pages/en_US
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) -- Helps young people find NA meetings near them, as well as resources such as brochures for young people with substance use disorders and their parents. na.org
Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator -- Find treatment facilities for substance use disorder and/or mental health problems. findtreatment.samhsa.gov
Opioid Treatment Program Directory -- Search opioid treatment programs by state. dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/directory.aspx
Sober Nation Treatment Locator -- An extensive directory of recovery centers. sobernation.com
SUICIDE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -- Dial 988. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. It also offers prevention and crisis resources for everyone, and best practices for professionals. suicidepreventionlifeline.org
American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – The nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP’s work encompasses advocacy and training, and offers educational material. afsp.org
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) -- Works at the international, national, state and local levels to prevent suicide using a public health model in suicide prevention. SAVE concentrates its efforts on education and awareness. The website includes resources for survivors, access to depression screenings and other information about mental illness and suicide. save.org
The Trevor Project – Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people who are under age 25. Their toll-free phone number is 1-866-488-7386. thetrevorproject.org
VIOLENCE, ABUSE AND NEGLECT
Children’s Advocacy Center of North Carolina (CACNC) – Makes a positive difference in the lives of abused children, and provides advocacy by bringing the professional to the child instead of asking children and their families to access services through many different portals. cacnc.org
Safe Child – Works to eliminate abuse and empower families. Resources are available on safety, parenting, trauma, stress, financial literacy and much more. Safe Child operates the National Child Abuse Hotline -- 1-800-4-A-CHILD. safechildnc.org
Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina -- Provides information about the effects of trauma, neglect and resiliency. It also offers tools to recognize physical and child sexual abuse and much more. preventchildabusenc.org
Project No Rest – A statewide project to increase awareness and prevention of human trafficking. Project No Rest outlines how it affects our children and young people in North Carolina. Their website offers resources to recognize warning signs and how to intervene to help those affected. projectnorest.org/
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence – A national organization that provides a voice to victims and survivors of domestic violence. Their website includes resources for getting help and taking action. It also operates the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE). ncadv.org
Child Welfare Information Gateway – Provides helpful resources for foster families. The organization promotes the safety, permanency and well-being of children, youth, and families by connecting child welfare (departments of social services in North Carolina), adoption and related professionals. The Child Welfare Information Gateway also connects the public to information, resources and tools that cover topics on child welfare, child abuse and neglect, out-of-home care, adoption and more. childwelfare.gov
YOUTH GROUPS
Boys and Girls Clubs of North Carolina – This group strives to provide a safe and positive place in order to have a significant impact on children’s lives. The clubs provide an actual neighborhood-based building designed solely for youth programs and activities. The clubs are open every day after school and on weekends when kids have free time and need positive, productive outlets. The clubs have full-time, trained youth development professionals who serve as positive role models and mentors. Volunteers provide key supplementary support. The clubs reach out to kids who cannot afford, or may lack access to, other community programs. Dues are low, averaging $5 to $10 per year. ncclubs.org
Big Brothers/Big Sisters Programs – The nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network. Big Brothers/Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers and children, ages 5 through young adulthood, in communities across the country. They create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that help youth achieve their full potential. The organization’s website provides a link to help parents enroll their child in local affiliate programs. bbbs.org
Girl Scouts of the United States of America – Provides a leadership experience that shows that girls learn best in an all-girl, girl-led and girl-friendly environment. Girl Scouts is a place where girls will practice different skills, explore their potential, take on leadership positions—and even feel allowed to fail, dust themselves off, get up and try again. The national website provides links for families to find Girl Scout troops near them. https://www.girlscouts.org/ Boys Scouts of America – The Boys Scouts is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. It provides programs for young people that build character. The national website provides links so that families can find Scout troops near them. scouting.org
4-H -- Empowers young people to lead for a lifetime. Their programs in science, healthy living and civic engagement are backed by a network of 100 public universities and a robust community of 4‑H volunteers and professionals. Through hands-on learning, kids build not only confidence, creativity and curiosity, but also life skills such as leadership and resiliency to help them thrive today and tomorrow. The national website provides links so that families can find 4-H clubs near them. 4-h.org
Youth MOVE – This is a youth-driven, chapter-based organization dedicated to improving services and systems that support positive growth and development. Youth MOVE utilizes the voices of individuals who have lived experience in various systems including mental health, juvenile justice, education and child welfare. The national site provides links so that youth can find chapters near them. youthmovenational.org
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