6 Impact of Family Leadership Training

It is difficult to quantify the impact of IFLTI on individual trainees’ lives. One trainee said, “I learned I was a leader and could do great things.” Another said, “I learned so much and feel competent as a family leader and servant leader. I am so lucky to have found ‘my people.’ I truly feel I have found my calling in life, that is, to continue to make positive changes in the lives of families and youth with special health care needs.”

The 2019 evaluation project showed graduates’ growth in leadership, advocacy and partnering skills. Partnerships developed through Community Service Projects have resulted in family-professional partnerships across the System of Care for children with special health care needs including state legislation, community support groups and events, invitations to serve on state boards, employment as family peer support specialists and trainings for school staff.

Other states have shown interest in Iowa’s model. Staff regularly consult with other states who desire to start or enhance their family training. And IFLTI staff continue to travel to other states to learn from their ongoing efforts as well. Two Kansas family leaders participated in Storytelling for Family Leaders, and Iowa’s staff have shared the online curriculum with Kansas Title V to continue to develop with a Kansas specific focus.

Relationships built with state family-serving organizations and with seasoned family leaders serving as mentors has created an infrastructure to advance shared training and development of family leaders as well as family-friendly policies and advocacy. Work continues to build a family leader registry and to refine desired outcomes of IFLTI.