Supporting Rhode Island Families Since 1986
We are families supporting families.
Through peer support, education, advocacy, and prevention-focused services, we help families find connection, build resilience, and move forward with hope.
Our Mission
Parent Support Network of Rhode Island is a family-centered organization that uses lived experience, peer support, and community connection to strengthen children, youth, families, and individuals across Rhode Island.
Founded by parents who came together for mutual support, PSN has always believed that families are not only recipients of support — they are leaders, advocates, and partners in creating change.
We provide trauma-informed support, education, advocacy, and prevention-focused services that help families navigate challenges, build resilience, and thrive.
PSN began in 1986 when a group of parents of children with mental health challenges came together because they needed something many families still need today: a place where they felt understood, supported, and not alone.
What started as peer connection grew into a statewide organization supporting families navigating behavioral health challenges, recovery, child welfare involvement, special education, and other complex life circumstances.
Over the years, we have experienced growth, change, and transformation, but our foundation has remained the same: families supporting families.
Today, our team combines lived experience, professional training, and deep community partnerships to help Rhode Island families find connection, hope, and support.
Our Team
At PSN, lived experience is valued as a form of expertise. Our team members bring both personal understanding and professional training to support families, youth, and individuals across Rhode Island.
Our North Star is a world where all children and families are living a purposeful and happy life with hope for the future.
This vision guides our work every day as we support family well-being, recovery, resilience, and prevention across Rhode Island.
What We Do
Raise Awareness
We help communities understand family behavioral health, recovery, and prevention through education, outreach, and public engagement.
Educate & Support
We provide peer support, parenting education, family programs, and practical resources that help families build confidence, connection, and resilience.
Advocate for Change
We work alongside families, partners, and policymakers to strengthen family-centered systems and improve outcomes for children and families across Rhode Island.
Our Values
Prevention First
We believe strong families and supportive communities help prevent challenges before they become crises.
Family-Centered
Families are at the heart of everything we do, and their voices help shape our work.
Community Connection
We believe meaningful relationships and strong partnerships create lasting change.
Our Role in Rhode Island
We work alongside families, community partners, and state systems to ensure parents and caregivers can access support when they need it most.
Many of the families we serve are referred through the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF), and we collaborate with DCYF and other partners to help families strengthen relationships, navigate challenges, and access resources.
As the Rhode Island chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America since 2017, we are also part of a national network working to strengthen families, promote well-being, and prevent child abuse and neglect before it occurs.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors provides leadership, oversight, and guidance to support the long-term health and sustainability of the organization.
Together, the Board and staff work to ensure Parent Support Network remains focused on its mission, responsive to community needs, and accountable to the families we serve.
Our Annual Impact
460+
Families Supported
100+
Nurturing Parenting
Program Graduates
80+
Family Reunifications Supported
“My daughter is in residential care, and PSN has been giving me hope and helping me lay the foundation for community supports.”
— Rhode Island Parent
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Whether you're looking for support, connection, parenting resources, or help navigating a difficult situation, we're here to help.