Federation of Families Miami Dade Chapter Inc

Background and History: 

Federation of Families of Miami-Dade (FOF) is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and supporting children, youth, young adults, and families throughout Miami-Dade County. Established in August 2010 as the Miami-Dade Chapter of the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, FOF is committed to advancing a youth- and family-driven approach to behavioral health, child welfare, prevention, and community wellness.

For more than a decade, FOF has partnered with leading community organizations and systems of care to provide peer support, prevention education, parenting programs, mentoring, and transition services. Since 2011, FOF has worked with Thriving Mind on federally funded initiatives supporting the Children’s System of Care, including peer support for youth and families and evidence-based prevention training. Today, FOF provides mentoring and transition support for young people ages 14–21 as they prepare for adulthood and greater independence.

Since 2016, FOF has partnered with Citrus Family Care Network, Miami-Dade County’s Community Based Care Lead Agency, to support families involved in the child welfare system. FOF has also partnered with The Children’s Trust to provide parenting education for families of children with behavioral challenges and to implement the Positive Youth Development After school Program at Palms Springs Middle School.

Empowering Youth and Families:

At the heart of FOF’s work is the belief that youth and families are the experts in their own lives. Our mission is to empower, guide, and support youth and families by providing the skills, resources, and connections they need to advocate for their needs and well being.

Through compassionate, community-based services, FOF promotes recovery, resilience, independence, and overall wellness. Our programs are designed to help individuals and families access meaningful support and develop the tools they need to succeed at school, at home, in the workplace, and in their communities.

In partnership with Thriving Mind, FOF implements the Transition to Independence Process (TIP) Model, helping young people build the skills and supports necessary for a successful transition to adulthood. Through Futures Planning, youth explore important areas of life including employment and career development, education, living arrangements, community life, personal effectiveness, and overall well being.

FOF also provides evidence-based mental health, wellness, and prevention training to community partners and professionals. These interactive trainings equip staff and providers with practical strategies to strengthen their own well being and better support the children, youth, and families they serve.

Certifications:

FOF is an approved Educational Provider of the Florida Certification Board, offering Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) training, Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid, and the Certified Recovery Peer Specialist training program, Changing Lives. FOF is also certified through the Council on Accreditation and maintains strong standards of accountability, quality, and compliance through ongoing monitoring by its community partners and funders.

Building Stronger Communities Together:

FOF’s work is grounded in collaboration. By partnering with behavioral health, child welfare, education, and community organizations, we help bridge gaps between individuals, families, and the resources they need.

Our goal is simple: to help youth and families discover their strengths, build confidence, access meaningful support, and create pathways toward healthier and more independent lives.

FOF is headquartered at the Youth & Family Center in Miami Gardens and proudly serves communities throughout Miami-Dade County.