Child Neurology Foundation and Parent to Parent USA expand peer support collaboration

Child Neurology Foundation and Parent to Parent USA said Aug. 18 they are expanding their relationship to connect more families with one-to-one peer support and education. The first phase focuses on making referrals easier for families and helping healthcare professionals link them to trained support and learning resources.

Why it matters: - The collaboration is designed to make peer support easier to find for families navigating pediatric neurologic conditions and special health care needs. - The work also aims to give healthcare professionals clearer referral pathways to connect families with both support and education. - The effort could improve how families access help as needs change over time.

What happened: - Child Neurology Foundation and Parent to Parent USA announced they are expanding an existing relationship into coordinated work. - The announcement was made Aug. 18, 2026. - The initial focus is on one-to-one peer support and education for families, caregivers and healthcare professionals. - CNF and P2P USA will begin by making it easier for families connected to CNF to find P2P Alliance Member programs and trained Support Parents in their communities. - P2P USA will help extend the reach of CNF educational tools through its network.

The details: - The first phase centers on two partnership goals: access to trained peer support and education and professional development. - The organizations will identify learning opportunities for families and caregivers. - The groups will also work to help healthcare professionals better understand the role of peer support and effective referrals. - CNF and P2P USA say they want education and peer support to be easier to navigate as family needs change. - The announcement builds on an existing relationship. - CNF is a Friend of Parent to Parent USA. - P2P USA is a member of CNF’s Neurology Social Services Network, which connects organizations across the neurology community to coordinate support, strengthen referrals, share knowledge and advocate for families. - CNF’s partnership framework outlines six shared goals. - Goals 1 and 5 are the starting point for the collaboration. - The broader framework also includes transition of care, early family support, peer mentoring, research and advocacy. - CNF and P2P USA will explore funding opportunities to support the initial priorities and future phases. - The organizations will share updates as the work moves forward. - For more information, see Child Neurology Foundation and Parent to Parent USA.

Between the lines: - The partnership links a national pediatric neurology nonprofit with a national parent-peer network that has local programs. - The combination could widen reach without requiring either organization to change its core role. - The focus on both lived experience and professional expertise signals an effort to make referrals more practical and more trusted.

What's next: - CNF and P2P USA will start implementation around family support and education. - The groups plan to pursue funding that could support the first phase and later expansion. - Future updates will determine how the broader six-goal framework develops. - The next areas may include care transitions, peer mentoring, research and advocacy.

The bottom line: - CNF and Parent to Parent USA are turning an existing connection into a formal collaboration aimed at making peer support and education easier for families to access.