Parent Network of WNY Launches New Family Behavior Support & Advocacy Program

BUFFALO, NY – Parent Network of WNY (PNWNY) is thrilled to announce our new Family Behavior Support & Advocacy Program and is now accepting applications.

PNWNY will work with a family to develop a goal and identify challenging behaviors and other barriers to reaching that goal. The program offers short-term, personalized support and guidance for parents and caregivers. Services can be provided at home, in the community, at school, or online.

“The goal of this new short term program is to empower caregivers by offering them tools and strategies to better understand and manage their children’s behavioral concerns. The hope is that by proactively assisting caregivers and their children now, the need for future intensive behavioral programming will be reduced.” said Jessica Wilson, Family Behavior Support Specialist, PNWNY.

The goal is to help families feel more confident and prepared to handle behavior challenges that may come up when caring for a child or young adult with a developmental disability.

The program is here to empower families with practical skills, helpful tools, and advocacy support—making it easier to navigate everyday life and reducing the need for more intensive behavior services down the road.

“Although this is not a comprehensive behavior intervention program, this program is still going to make a huge difference helping families in the WNY community who have a loved one with a developmental disability and are experiencing behavior concerns.” said Kimberly Kadziolka, Executive Director, PNWNY.

The program is funded by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and is available for school-age children and young adults who have OPWDD eligibility, live with family, and live within Erie or Niagara counties.