How to Start a PALS Network

If you are interested in starting a Personal Support Network, we suggest you start by learning more about PALS, Inc. and more about Personal Support Networks.

Become a member of PALS, Inc.
Being a member provides you with information about what PALS, Inc. can offer not only your son or daughter, but your family as well. Through our Newsletter, informal membership meetings and through our Family Forums, you will learn how families create ongoing Networks of support that can be maintained into the future. There is a Membership Form included in this booklet to facilitate this first step. Once that form is returned, a member of the Membership Committee will be contact with you to welcome you into the PALS, Inc. Family.

Become a PALS volunteer
One way to learn about Personal Support Networks is to join one of our Standing Committees or attend one of our Board of Directors meetings. All PALS, Inc. meetings are open to the public. Depending on where you live, you may want to volunteer to join one of our Personal Support Networks. There is a PALS Volunteer From included in this booklet. Complete that form, send it to us and someone will be in touch with you.

Attend one of our Family Forums
Twice a year, Family Forums are held for our Network Families and their Facilitators. Sitting in on one of the Family Forums is one way to learn about how Personal Support Networks are developed. Call us or check our Newsletter to get the date and place of our next Family Forum.

Contact us and ask questions
When you are sure you want to start a Personal Support Network, contact us and someone will meet with you to answer your questions.  The availability of a Facilitator is an issue that needs to be addressed during this meeting. PALS, Inc. is actively engaged with the recruitment, hiring and supervision of Facilitators and is always on the look out for potential Facilitators. One of those Facilitators may, or may not, be available in your geographic area. PALS, Inc. will consider a Facilitator recommended by the family, but must interview, check references and do a CORI check, before deciding to enter into a contract with that person.

Sign agreement letter
Once a Facilitator is available to be assigned to assist in the development of a Personal Support Network and you are ready to proceed, you will be asked to sign an Agreement Letter with PALS, Inc and provide a check for a minimum of $500, which will pay for 10 hours of a Facilitator’s time and will initiate the Exploratory Stage.

The Agreement Letter will specify the responsibilities of the PALS, Inc. Facilitator for a specific number of hours. The agreement anticipates a continuing, long term relationship between PALS, Inc and the family to develop a specific Personal Support Network. The Exploratory, Implementation and Maintenance stages of Network development are estimated to take 70 to 100 hours of a Facilitator’s time over several years.