Are you a Family Support Provider making a difference in the lives of families? We would be honored to highlight your work. If you are willing to share your story, experiences, and the impact you’ve made, please submit your information for our Family Support Provider Spotlight. By sharing your journey, you help uplift other families, strengthen our network of support, and demonstrate the powerful difference family-centered support can make.
A family support provider provides supports and services that increase protective factors. They oftentimes connect with the family member in a way that ignites the spark of hope that things can and will get better because they have experienced a similar journey.
Risk factors
The family support provider is primarily providing supports and services to the child or youth and family to help reduce risk factors. They help the child or youth to identify their needs and barriers to being more successful. They develop goals, identify strengths, and provide support for them to learn and practice new skills. They also work with the child or youth and family to increase their ability to communicate more effectively and learn how to solve problems when needed.
Under section 630.170, RSMo, individuals who have been found guilty of or pleaded guilty (including those that received a suspended imposition of sentence or a suspended execution of sentence) or nolo contendere to certain specified crimes* are disqualified from working in mental health programs that are operated, licensed, certified, accredited, in possession of deemed status, or funded by the Department of Mental Health. Any person who is disqualified under this section may request an exception to this employment disqualification from the Department of Mental Health Exceptions Committee.
The Missouri Department of Mental Health, Division of Behavioral Health, recognizes the Missouri Credentialing Board as the sole source for certified peer credentials (Certified Peer Specialist, Family Support Provider, Youth Peer Specialist, and Certified Reciprocal Peer Recovery). No other credentialing sources will be recognized as meeting the requirements for peers working in DBH certified and contracted programs.
Renewal applications submitted or postmarked between January 2026 and March 31, 2026 will be charged the standard renewal fee. Applications submitted or postmarked from April 1, 2026 through April 30, 2026 will be charged an additional processing fee.
Due to the high volume of applications received at the end of the renewal period, the Board cannot guarantee that credentials submitted or postmarked on or after April 1, 2026 will be renewed before the end of the month. To offset the increased administrative workload and system demands during this peak period, an enhanced processing fee will be charged for applications submitted or postmarked on or after April 1, 2026. Credential holders are strongly encouraged to renew early to avoid delays, additional fees, or a lapse in credential status.
Renewal applications submitted or postmarked after April 30, 2026 will require reinstatement and will be charged all applicable reinstatement fees. Applicants must complete a reinstatement application to regain credential status.
For questions or assistance, please contact the Missouri Credentialing Board 573-616-2300.