Parent, Caregiver, Family Member Specialization

The Certified Parent, Caregiver, Family Member (CPCF) Training Program is designed to provide an

additional specialty certification to Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists who have completed the training

and examination requirements as outlined DHCS. The CPCF specialization is designed for biological or

adoptive parents, caregivers, and family members with legal custody to raise a child with mental health

and/or substance use needs. CPCF specialists work with other parents, caregivers and family members

to successfully navigate systems that impact children and families including (but not limited to):

substance use, behavioral health, education justice, juvenile courts, healthcare, child welfare,

developmental disabilities, vocation, social services, and legal. The program is rooted and based in the

national standards identified by the National Federation of Families which provide philosophical insight

into best practices for CPFC Peers to provide support and guidance to parents, caregivers, and family

members. The 5 in-person or online sessions cover the following competencies: professional

responsibilities, systems knowledge and navigation, resources and natural supports, wellness and

recovery, and effecting change. The CPFC Training Program offers three different formats to address the

varying educational needs of community members. Training participants are guided through coursework

and training by full-time instructors at TTC College with lived experience as a parent, caregiver, or family

member of a child with mental health and/or substance use needs. The CPCF Training Program is

comprised of 40 educational training hours, depending on student requests for additional learning, and

can be completed in as short as 1 week. Trainees can take classes 7 days a week and receive in-person

on-site support Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM-9:00 PM.