Partners In Care Conference
Parent to Parent's annual Partners in Care (PIC) Conference brings together a community of over 300 parents, social services professionals, policymakers, educators, and health care providers from around the state. The format of this day-long conference includes interactive morning and afternoon workshops, which offer all participants opportunities to learn about additional ways in which we can improve responsiveness to children with special health needs, particularly by supporting the practice of family-centered programs & policies. The conference also includes a keynote speech, exhibits by for-profit and non-profit organizations, the Partners In Care Award and lunch.

The 2007 Conference, themed "Common Bonds", was jointly presented by Vermont Parent Information Center and Parent to Parent of Vermont.

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Partners in Care Award:
We are expanding the categories for the Partners in Care Award this year.  A total of 4 awards in 4 separate categories. The Parent/Caregiver, Professional and Organization categories will honor individuals and organizations who exemplify and promote the ideals of family-centered care.  The 4th award will be given to a Child/Youth who has made a difference in his/her community in terms of disability awareness. 
We invite you to nominate people from your community who you believe exemplify the ideals of the family-centered care philosophy. 

The Family-Centered Care Philosophy:
Family-Centered Care is a holistic philosophy that redefines the roles of families, health care professionals, educators, and communities. Family-Centered Care appreciates families as families and children as children, recognizing that they possess a wide range of strengths, concerns, emotions, and aspirations beyond their need for specialized services.
For a more detailed description of Family-Centered Care click here

Partners In Care Award
Past Recipients
1995-2007

1995 - Carol Hassler and Children with Special Health Needs - Personal commitment to family-centered care, leadership and support in incorporating family-centered care within CSHN, administrative and staff support of children and families.

1996 - Debra Lisi Baker and David Baker - Inspiration and leadership in disability movement in Vermont and nationally: starting the Vermont Independent Living Center; state and national advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities; and administrative support of family-centered care, promoting opportunities to incorporate the ideals in planning and evaluation at the state level.

1997 - Mark Sustic - Modeling leadership in family-centered care in early childhood programs and partnerships at the local and state level.

1998 - Don Swartz, MD and David Stifler, MD - For their partnership with Parent to Parent in creating the Medical Education Project.

2000 - Senator James Jeffords and Maureen Mitchell - For significantly influencing family-centered policies and practices on local, state, and national levels.

2001 – Peter Youngbear and Kim Keiser - For their vision, leadership, and voice in effectively promoting the principles of family-centered care at the local, state, and national level.

2002 – Debbie O’Rourke and Tracey Wagner – Two outstanding women who reflect the essence of family-centered care and who, through their passion and commitment, have enhanced the quality of life for many families and children in Vermont.

2003 - Phyl Macomber and Connie Curtin - These honorees epitomize the philosophy that families possess a wide range of strengths and aspirations beyond their need for specialized services for their child.

2004 - Mary Scollins and Deb Jaurigue - Highly respected individuals - a professional and the other a family member. Mary is "one of those few special persons who can blend her superb scientific and inquisitive abilities with the personal and human touch needed when working with families."  Deb is "a woman with passion, tireless energy and dedication to the needs of others".…

2007 - Parent/Guardian award: Nancy Osborne; Professional awards: Mary K. Dennison - Community Professional award, Nancy Zahniser - Education Professional award, Steve Contompasis - Healthcare Professional award; Child/Youth award: Matthew DiMasi; Organization award: Vermont Food Allergy Organization (MaryKay Hill, Executive Director) Click for pictures.

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Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities: If your company or organization is interested in learning more about sponsoring and/or exhibiting at the conference, please contact us at 1-800-800-4005. This is a wonderful opportunity to inform participants about your products, services, and programs.