Family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) providers are grandmothers, aunts, other close relatives, or parents who care for unrelated children of friends or neighbors in addition to their own. In many states, these providers are exempt from licensing regulations and operate outside of publicly funded payment systems. They may be paid informally by families or not paid at all to offer child care. The recommendations presented here emerged from focus groups Erikson Institute conducted with FFN providers to learn how networks are responsive to the strengths and needs of the FFN sector. The recommendations can help inform FFN providers’ efforts to advocate for network supports that meet their needs.
