About

Hawaii Families As Allies (HFAA) is a 501 (c)(3) statewide parent-controlled family network organization, recognized in Hawaii and nationally as a voice on behalf of families of children and youth with emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges.HFAA is the Hawaii State Chapter of the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, a national family-run organization that has been at the forefront in service system change so that families are valued and treated as true partners.

HFAA began in 1986 as a true grassroots organization, started by families who knew that if they got together, networked and shared their knowledge with one another – they could do so much more to help themselves and other families find success in parenting their children with emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges. Navigating the system of care takes the help of experienced Parents.  ​At that time, a national movement to affect the way that families were served was underway and HFAA has been leading the charge since then. 

As one of the 5 original ‘Families As Allies’ non profit family run organizations in the country, we have been a pillar for our community in keeping the voice of children’s mental health and other service systems change issues affecting our children, youth and young adults
at the forefront. ​As part of what was then known as the ‘Ohana grant, HFAA received federal funding to assist service providers and other stakeholders in the service delivery of our youth, and included Parent Partners as a voice for families. Our vision is the same today as it has always been and we remain focused on helping families help themselves.