Parent Empowerment Peer (PEP) Project

The Parent Empowerment Peer (PEP) Project is a pioneering, statewide initiative addressing the urgent need for emotional and practical support for families involved with the child welfare and well-being systems in Kansas.

At its core, this project trains Parent Empowerment Peer Specialists (PEPS)—parents with lived experience—to serve as trusted allies and mentors alongside families. PEPS foster trust, hope, and motivation for change, especially for families engaged with the child welfare system, while helping them navigate complex services and advocate for themselves.

Purpose & Vision

To provide emotional and empowering support that helps families heal from the harm caused by past system involvement.
To build trust and confidence in navigating systems that have often felt alienating, punitive, or inaccessible.
To equip families with advocacy skills and mentorship that help them make meaningful, positive changes, leading toward safe, sustainable family reintegration.

The PEPS Role

Emotional & Empowering Support

PEPS brings compassionate, nonjudgmental, and trauma-informed support that acknowledges families’ pain and distrust of the system.
They foster trust, motivation, and hope, helping families see that change is possible and that they are not alone in their journey.
PEPS serve as relatable mentors—someone who has “been there”—to encourage and guide families through moments of fear, anger, or despair.

System Awareness & Advocacy

PEPS helps families find resources to be aware of supports within the child welfare, legal, and support systems, step by step.
They provide emotional support and empowerment as families prepare for court hearings, meetings, and service planning, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are respected.

Skill-Building & Resource Connection

PEPS teaches advocacy and parenting skills, facilitates support groups, and connects families to essential resources, including housing, education, and trauma recovery services.

Data & Change-Making

PEPS contribute to systemic change by collecting and sharing data on family needs and outcomes, demonstrating the efficacy of peer support, and advocating for improvements at the state level.

Goals of the PEP Project
Activity	Impact
Emotional Support & Trust-Building	Families feel understood, empowered, and hopeful about change.
Support Groups	Safe spaces where families can share experiences, learn valuable skills, and support one another.
Direct Advocacy	Families are accompanied and supported in navigating hearings, meetings, and services.
Workshops & Resources	Families and providers gain tools and knowledge to improve outcomes.
Outreach & Awareness	Families learn about available support through community outreach and digital platforms.
Data & Evaluation	Demonstrates the value of peer support in improving and sustaining the program.

Why This Matters

For families who have experienced harm, stigma, or distrust in their encounters with child welfare and related systems, having a PEPS mentor who believes in them and understands their journey is transformative.

This project acknowledges that emotional healing and trust-building are essential to motivating families to engage, grow, and reunify successfully.

Contact & More Information

For more about the PEP Project, training opportunities, or how to participate:
📧 Email: [Your contact here]
🌐 Website: [Your website here]
📞 Phone:

By centering lived experience, this project aims to transform both families’ experiences and the systems themselves.