Abstract
This research project looked at leadership empowerment through Family Peer Support services. These services were integrated with in Wraparound Services for children who have a serious emotional disturbance (SED) diagnosis. This research explored peer reviewed articles, mental and public health websites, family surveys and the Wraparound Wisconsin model that all reported on the success and challenges of Family Peer Support. A survey was completed with families who have participated in the survey were active participants in the Wraparound process for a minimum of six months. The survey reported on leadership skills developed through Family Peer Supports. After I completed my research, I hoped to track the development of family leadership through the service of Family Peer Support.
This research is very special to me. I am the father of three children. My oldest is diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and my youngest is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I am also the stepfather to my stepdaughter who is diagnosed with severe anxiety. I have seen and lived the daily struggles of raising children with mental illness. I have also seen the successes of early intervention. Mental illness is so important to me and my family that I have made it my profession.
