PIC Family Voices Podcast

Why Family Voice Matters: Family Leadership in Early Childhood Systems

This conversation explores the importance of family voice in shaping the programs, policies, and services that support young children and family well-being. Featuring Leslie Ela, Safiya Wazir, and Stevie Klein of the Birth–Eight Family and Community Advisory Team (B-8), who share their experiences and perspectives on creating systems that truly reflect the needs of families and communities.  Key Topics * Family voice and leadership * Systems level work and community impact * The role of families in decision-making * Strategies for authentic family engagement * Examples of family influence on policy and practice Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC [https://picnh.org/ ]          NHFV [https://nhfv.org/ ]

An Introduction to Discipline and Manifestation Determination Meetings

In this insightful interview, Nico Walker from the Disability Rights Center in New Hampshire discusses the importance of inclusive education, the impact of exclusionary discipline on students with disabilities, and practical steps for parents to advocate effectively. Learn about the School Discipline Project grants, legal protections like the Manifestation Determination Review, and how families can navigate the special education process. Key Topics * Impact of exclusionary discipline on students with disabilities * Steps for parents to advocate in disciplinary cases * Role of the Disability Rights Center and School Discipline Project * Understanding Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) * Strategies for preparing for MDR meetings Resources PIC Sample Letters & Forms: https://picnh.org/sample-letters/ Disability Rights Center - NH: https://drcnh.org/ Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC [https://picnh.org/ ]          NHFV [https://nhfv.org/ ]

Moving On: Young Adult Perspectives on Adult Care

The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare is often seen as a natural step toward independence, but for many young adults, it is a complex and uneven process. In Moving On: Young Adult Perspectives on Adult Care, Keagan Watson and Justin Bonny share experiences that reveal both the challenges and the personal growth that come with navigating complex systems of care. Across experiences, a key difference between pediatric and adult care is the shift in responsibility. As children, patients often rely on parents or caregivers to manage appointments, insurance, and communication with providers. In adulthood, these responsibilities shift almost entirely to the individual. Participants described needing to schedule appointments, manage prescriptions, arrange transportation, and navigate insurance challenges. Despite the challenges of navigating a new model of care, participants also emphasized resilience and adaptation. Support systems–including family members, case managers, and community organizations–played an important role in helping them navigate the transition. Many also found that learning through conversation and real-life scenarios was more effective than formal checklists or questionnaires in preparing for adulthood. Resources https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/nh-choices-independence-waiver-renewal-and-amendments-2022-2027 [https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/nh-choices-independence-waiver-renewal-and-amendments-2022-2027] https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/medicaid/nh-medicaid-medical-assistance-eligibility/mead-and-moad-eligibility [https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/medicaid/nh-medicaid-medical-assistance-eligibility/mead-and-moad-eligibility] Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC [https://picnh.org/ ]          NHFV [https://nhfv.org/ ]

Health Care Transition Series: Managing My Medications

This panel discussion with Yeah Council Members, Abby, CJ, Emma and Keagan explores the importance of medication management for youth, sharing personal experiences, strategies, and resources to empower young individuals in taking control of their health. Learn practical tips, challenges faced, and how to build essential skills for independent medication management. Key Topics * Importance of medication management for youth * Personal experiences and strategies for managing medications * Tools and resources for medication independence Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC [https://picnh.org/ ]          NHFV [https://nhfv.org/ ]

The Importance of Developmental Screenings

In this episode PIC and NH Family Voices speak to Meagan Galvin, a family worker with Head Start Center at Nashua Community College.  Meagan  talks about the Developmental Screening Pop-ups that she has been doing at parks and libraries throughout the Nashua area.  She also discusses why developmental screenings are important, how, when and who you ask for them, and what to expect when you get them. Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC [https://picnh.org/ ]          NHFV [https://nhfv.org/ ]