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Parent and family supports topics:

Parent and family supports

Key supports

Whether you're a new parent or have years of parenting experience, we want to help you find the supports you need to take care of yourself and your family.

Start with this comprehensive list of resources for people with disabilities from the Minnesota Council on Disability. Resources can be browsed alphabetically or by topic.

Use the keyword search option in Facebook to find groups based on your situation to search for virtual groups on topics such as Minnesota parenting kids with disabilities, special needs, siblings of people with disabilities or parents with disabilities. It's important to make decisions based on accurate information, so be sure to ask questions of your health care team, your local social service or tribal agency or other reputable sources. The Hub team can help, too.

Then, check out the collection of key supports below.

  • Family Voices of Minnesota. This parent-to-parent networking group connects families across the state, empowering them to become advocates for children and youth with special health care needs and disabilities.
  • The Arc Minnesota. Check out regional parent groups offered by the Arc Minnesota.
  • Minnesota Autism Resource portal has supports for families including community resources, support groups and advocacy.
  • Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare. Check a curated a list of resources from Gillette Children's to help you connect with other parents who have similar experiences.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota. Here, find resource groups for parents raising a child with a mental illness.
  • Meetup. Find family groups in Minneapolis on Meetup, a platform for finding and building local communities.
  • Child Mind Institute. You'll find resources to help make good decisions for your kids and navigate the challenges of parenting.

The following organizations received grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services to provide individual and group parent support:

  • Sibling resources (PDF). Browse this collection of books, articles and other resources for siblings of children with
    disabilities from the Pacer Center.
  • The Sibling Support Project. Check out workshops, trainings and other resources for the siblings of people with special health, developmental and mental health needs.

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is based on the idea that parents are a child's first and most enduring teachers. ECFE strengthens and empowers families to provide the best possible  environment for a child's learning and development.

  • Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance. The Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance raises awareness and enhances quality of life for people affected by brain injury. Understand types of brain injury, explore case management and care coordination options, consider volunteer opportunities and more. For referrals to brain injury support groups throughout Minnesota, contact the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance at 1-800-669-6442.
  • Minnesota Stroke Association. The Minnesota Stroke Association raises awareness and enhances quality of life for people coping with the sudden and long-term effects of stroke. Understand the effects of stroke, get tips for communicating with someone who's had a stroke, find resources and support groups, and more.
  • United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota. United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Watch educational videos on cerebral palsy, check out upcoming events and more. Contact United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota at 1-651-265-7361 to find out how to get involved.
  • Cerebral Palsy Resource Group. Join this Facebook group maintained by Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare.
  • Minnesota Hands & Voices. Minnesota Hands & Voices provides information, support and referral to families at any point in their journey with a child who is deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota. The Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota encourages individuals and families to create community and celebrate the abilities of people with Down syndrome. Find information for new and expectant parents, programs and events, fundraising opportunities and more.
  • Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota discussion group. Join this Facebook group for family members and friends of people with Down syndrome to have a private space to ask questions and hold discussions.
  • Gigi's Playhouse. GiGi's Playhouse Twin Cities provides free educational and therapeutic programs for people with Down syndrome from birth through adulthood, their families and the community. Check the calendar of events for a schedule and program descriptions. 
  • Proof Alliance. Formerly known as the Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Proof Alliance provides a wide variety of supports, activities and resources to help guide and support families through the fetal alcohol spectrum disorder journey.
  • Minnesota Spina Bifida Association. The Minnesota Spina Bifida Association increases awareness about spina bifida and enhances the lives of those affected by the condition. Call 1-651-222-6395 to learn about volunteer opportunities, help with events or share information in your community.
  • Spina Bifida Resource Group. Join this Facebook group maintained by Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare.
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