Family Advocacy Outreach Network
Overview
Founded in 2004, the Family Advocacy Outreach Network (FAON) is a nationwide network of more than 360 therapists, counselors and other professionals who are dedicated to serving victims, survivors and families by providing mental health services to those in need. We know therapy and counseling can be expensive, which is why FAON members offer their services on a free or sliding scale basis.
If you are a professional who would like to learn more about FAON or join this incredible network, we want to hear from you! We continuously seek professionals and service organizations who are willing to provide therapeutic services to the families and survivors of missing or sexually exploited children. There is no application or membership fee to join FAON.
Get Involved
- An individual or organization that provides therapy or direct services to the people we serve on a pro bono, low sliding scale, or flexible insurance copay basis
- An individual or organization that meets NCMEC’s standards of service
Licensed Clinicians Must Also Have…
- Current license with no significant judgements against you
- Valid professional liability insurance
- Create your NCMEC Connect account
- Please keep your contact information current (email, phone, address, etc.)
- Respond to requests for information and referrals – We understand that not all referrals will fit your availability, but you are a valuable link in obtaining meaningful services for people in need
- Attend at least one FAON event a year or participate in at least one NCMEC Connect training
If You Are a Licensed Clinician, You Must…
- Maintain an active license with no significant judgements against you
- Maintain current liability insurance information
- Access to all mental health-related trainings on NCMEC Connect, plus additional trainings exclusive to FAON members
- Quarterly enewsletters with the latest NCMEC initiatives, resources, trends, issue spotlights and networking opportunities
- Compensatory opportunities for providing valuable expertise to NCMEC on projects, initiatives or trainings
- Every two years, the opportunity to attend a free, in-person multi-day training event at NCMEC HQ, where you’ll hear survivor voices, learn about missing and exploited children’s issues and earn continuing education credits
- NCMEC can be a resource for presentations, offer Q&A sessions with NCMEC staff, help with difficult cases and provide physical resources
- Compensatory opportunities to travel internationally to assist with the reunification of missing children and their searching family members
- Discount code to the NCMEC store
Testimonials
“The Family Advocacy Outreach Network program can really help not only the professionals, the counselors, the social workers, but it can help the victims gain what they have lost or what was taken from them.”
– Karina Chernacov, FAON Member
“There’s hope there. You will find a community. You will have other survivors, FAON members to support you, to empower you throughout your life.”
– Dr. Raman Basanti, FAON Member
“One of the things that’s become apparent at NCMEC is how many wonderful resources I now have. It’s so wonderful to learn how many different opportunities I can now present people.”
–Matthew Weiner, FAON Member
Resources
Be the Support, Helping Victims of Child Sexual Abuse Material: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals
Reconnecting with Your Child: Building Relationships After Suspected Sexual Exploitation
Resources for Empowering Families
For information on how to seek mental health resources
Take It Down is a free service that helps people remove online nude, partially nude or sexually explicit photos or videos taken of them before they were 18.
Listen to an FAON Member's message of hope.
Watch the video above to learn more about what FAON can do for you!