Who We Are

The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health is a national family-run organization linking more than 120 chapters and state organizations focused on the issues of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs and their families. It was conceived in Arlington, Virginia in February, 1989 by a group of 18 people determined to make a difference in the way the system works.

Members of the National Federation come from all walks of life. Emotional, behavioral or mental health needs cut across all income, educational, geographical, racial, ethnic, and religious groups. They are found among single parents and two-parent families and in birth, adoptive, and foster families.

The National Federation works to develop and implement policies, legislation, funding mechanisms, and service systems that utilize the strengths of families. Its emphasis on advocacy offers families a voice in the formation of national policy, services and supports for children with mental health needs and their families.

Vision Statement

Through a family and youth-driven approach, children and youth emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges and their families obtain needed supports and services so that children grow up healthy and able to maximize their potential.

Mission Statement

The National Federation, a national family-run organization serves to:

• Provide advocacy at the national level for the rights of children and youth with emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges and their families

• Provide leadership and technical assistance to a nation-wide network of family run organizations.

• Collaborate with family run and other child serving organizations to transform mental health care in America.

Our Principles

• The National Federation maintains that children and youth emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges.

• Have strengths and make valuable contributions to their families.

• Are people first and deserve the same love, care, and attention as any other person.

• Have a right to safely participate in community life, live with their families, and attend school.

• Come from diverse backgrounds and must be treated with dignity and respect.

• Must receive all the services and supports necessary to achieve their potential.

Board of Directors

The Federation’s Board of Directors number no fewer than 12 and not more than 15 directors. Representation on the Board of Directors shall be at least 51% parent, plus at least 1 young person who has received, or is currently receiving children’s mental health services.  At all times the board shall be reflective of the communities we serve.  Board members can serve up to three, 3-year terms.

Chapters and State Organizations

The National Federation currently has over 120 chapters that provide the groundwork at our local and state levels. We are always looking to increase our chapter membership so if you’re interested in having your family organization become an official chapter of the National Federation, do so today by giving us a call at 240.403.1901.

National Federation Staff

Our staff encompasses nearly two dozen talented individuals who all bring their varying experience and skill sets to the organization. Many are family members and youth who have lived experience.

Our Subsidiaries

The National Federation currently has one subsidiary: Youth M.O.V.E. National. They are  a youth led national organization devoted to improving services and systems that support positive growth and development by uniting the voices of individuals who have lived experience in various systems including mental health, juvenile justice, education, and child welfare.