Family Matters 1st (FM) is a group of parents with lived experience dedicated to improving the lives of families involved with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) by promoting healthy and safe environments. Tatiana Rodriguez and Tamesha Bowens from Family Matters 1st shared their approach to community building through peer support and learning, connection to timely and appropriate resources, and advocacy opportunities. Joined by Susan Elsen of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, co-author of the recent report, “Family Voices: Insights about prevention services from families and youth directly affected by the Massachusetts Child Welfare system,” the group provided insight to the value of lived experience through the ethical gathering of qualitative data and its impact on equitable policy design.