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Welcome to our new electronic format!
Connecting you to information and news you can use. A virtual publication brought to you by the Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs and the Michigan Family to Family Health Information Center.
Supporting Siblings of Children with Special Health Care Needs
Growing up with a brother or sister with complex developmental or medical needs is a deeply personal experience. Siblings must often navigate a mix of challenges and rewards. While every family is different, researchers have identified some hurdles siblings often face. These includes premature maturity, pressure to be perfect, mixed emotions toward the sibling with special health care needs, and social isolation.
It isn't just a story of hardships, however. The unique family environment can also foster strength and a bond that can last a lifetime. Growing up with a brother or sister with special health care needs can make siblings more empathetic. They tend to notice who is left out, celebrate small wins, and be more open to accepting differences. They can build a strong connection with their brother or sister. Oftentimes the protective instinct and mutual love is deep and resilient.
UPCOMING SIBLING SUPPORT EVENTS
Webinar: Caring for the Whole Family: Supporting Siblings of CYSHCN
Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (EST)
A sibling relationship is one of the most important and lifelong connections a person can have. For the sibling of a child with special health care needs, the bond can be especially meaningful. Join Emily Holl, director of the Sibling Support Project, as she shares ways to support this special relationship. You'll also hear more about the upcoming Sibshops facilitator training and a grant opportunity to bring Sibshops to your community. To register for the webinar, click here.
Sibshops Facilitator Training
Thursday and Friday, Sept 24-25, 2026, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Grand Rapids, MI. Sibshops are engaging and interactive play-based peer support groups created just for siblings of children with special medical or developmental needs.
The training is open to parents, caregivers, social workers, educators, community partners, etc. Just interested in learning more about sibling issues? Attend just day one. Want to become a certified Sibshops facilitator? You must attend both days.
For cost and sign-up information – and to register for the training, click here.
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 New Mental Health App for Teens - Introducing Soluna
Soluna is a new metal health app for Michigan teens ages 13-18. It is a free and confidential mental health app that gives teens the resources to:
- Chat 1:1 with professional coaches and counselors
- Connect with a safe, moderated community
- Explore self-care activities
- Get help finding local resources
There is no cost for this resource, just support for teens that fits their lifestyle. Soluna/Michigan was funded by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.
Learn more at SolunaApp.com/Michigan or download Soluna on the App Store or Google Play.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 for urgent support.
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Family Engagement Opportunities with the Family Center for CYSHCN
The Family Center supports and empowers families by sharing ways for families to give input on programs and policies that affect them.
We are currently looking for family members of children with special health care needs to help with the following activities:
- Participating in a workgroup to review family compensation and reimbursement policies for Family Center and CSHCS family engagement activities.
- Helping with the Michigan Family Connections newsletter. This includes planning the quarterly editions, identifying topics of interest, and potentially writing guest articles.
Participants will be reimbursed for their time.
If you would be willing to lend your expertise to either of these projects, please email us at cshcsfc@michigan.gov
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Learn More About the Family Leadership Network
Michigan Family to Family Health Information Center and the Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs have partnered to develop a group of family leaders from across Michigan called the Family Leadership Network (FLN).
This group brings together family leaders to provide valuable input on programs and special projects, identify and share community resources, and represent a regional voice for families of children and youth with special health care needs.
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Peer Support from the Family Support Network
Current Online Peer Support Groups
Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Families with children with special health care needs - second Monday of the month from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and/or the fourth Monday of the month from 12 noon to 1 p.m. (EST). Parents and caregivers are welcome to join either meeting or both.
Online Peer Support Groups Starting September 2026
All Parents with children with special health care needs - third Monday of the month from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. (EST).
Just Dads - second Sunday of the month from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (EST).
U.P. Parents - second Monday of the month from 12 noon to 1 p.m. and/or fourth Monday of the month from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. (EST). Parents and caregivers are welcome to join either meeting or both.
1:1 Peer Matches Available
Connect with a Family Support Partner, whose child has a similar diagnosis, care needs, surgery/procedure, etc., for resources, support, and encouragement. Talk with someone who truly gets it because they have been there too.
To find an online support group or connect with a Family Support Partner, call the
CSHCS Family Phone Line at 800-359-3722 or email Amy Fontaine at fontainea@michigan.gov.
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Tips for Back to School When Your Student Has a Chronic Health Condition
Sending your child to school when they have a chronic health condition, like asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, or severe food allergies can be stressful. Preparing now, before the start of the school year, can help make the transition easier and the year safer for your child.
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UPCOMING ONLINE LEARNING WEBINARS
The Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs offers online learning opportunities for families of children with special health care needs and the professionals who care for them.
These online webinars offer resources, information, and skill development on relevant topics related to children with special health care needs. They are led by seasoned parent staff and/or guest speakers with expertise in the topic area.
Upcoming webinar topics include:
- Charting the LifeCourse (Sept)
- Children with Special Needs Fund (Sept)
- Bullying Prevention (Oct)
- MiABLE Accounts (Nov)
- Healthcare Transition (Nov)
- Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Program
- TEFRA
- Children's Waiver Program
- Emergency Readiness Prep
- Planning for the Future
- School Health Plans
Webinars are open to anyone to attend, including parents (bio, foster, step, kinship), family members, youth, professionals, educators, public health, medical providers, etc.
To register, visit the Family Center website Online Learning Opportunities page. To receive notice when registration opens for upcoming webinars, sign up for our newsletter and email notifications at the button below.
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Who We Are
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The Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs is the parent-directed center within the Children's Special Health Care Services division at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Their primary role is to offer support, information, and connections to community-based resources to families of children and youth with special health care needs, including all children who have, or are at increased risk for physical, behavioral, developmental, or emotional conditions. Children do not need to qualify for Children's Special Health Care Services to utilize the Family Center.
For more information, visit our website.
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The Michigan Family to Family Health Information Center is a federally funded* project. MI F2F shares resources and information on disability and health issues with families of children and youth with special health care needs in Michigan. MI F2F helps families make informed decisions and supports families to partner with professionals.
For more information, look for us on Facebook or visit our website.
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*This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The contents of this newsletter do not represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by HRSA, HHS, or U.S. Government.
The sharing of resources is for your consideration only and not endorsed or recommended by any of our funders. Use at your own discretion.
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