 | Resource Development Team for Family Resource Centers
Information About Services |
In 1994, North Carolina received federal funds to plan, develop and implement Family Preservation/Family Support Services (FP/FS) programs in North Carolina (Currently named the Safe and Stable Families Act). Originally, 21 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) were selected (based on high need indicators) to take part in the planning and development of a 5-Year State Plan for North Carolina. In 1995 these counties, the EBCI and 18 additional counties selected through the Request for Application (RFA) process received funding to implement family preservation/family support programs. Initially, each program received an award of up to $100,000 per year. The programs are currently receiving awards of $75,000. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Divisions of Social Services (DSS) and Child Development (DCD) share the responsibility of providing oversight and technical assistance to the participants in this Initiative. The Service models represented in North Carolina's FP/FS Services Program include:
Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS)
The IFPS model provides in-home crisis intervention services designed to help families at imminent risk of having a child removed from the home. These services help to maintain children safely in their homes (whenever possible) and prevent unnecessary separation of families. This model is characterized by very small caseloads for workers, short duration of services (four to six weeks), 24-hour availability of staff, the provision of services primarily in the child's home or in another environment, and intensive, time-limited services.
Family Preservation Services (FPS)
Services programs are family-focused and community-based. Family Preservation Services are interventions that target at-risk families who are not at imminent risk. These service models vary in intensity, are delivered in several ways, and are provided in or outside of the home. FPS programs are represented by a broad spectrum of service models that include mentoring programs, in-home parent education, leadership development, crises intervention, family reunification, and respite care services. These programs are typically designed to help families alleviate crises that might lead to out-of-home placement of children; to help parents maintain the safety of children in their own homes; to support families preparing to reunite or adopt; and to assist families in obtaining services and supports to address their multiple needs in a culturally sensitive manner.
Parent Education
Parent Education services are skill-development and knowledge-building programs that enable parents to develop a more nurturing and supportive environment for their children. Examples include such programs as parent-training classes, child development classes, and parent support groups.
Leadership Development
Leadership Development programs are designed to enhance and develop knowledge and skills for organizing parents to serve in advocacy roles for their families and communities. Participants in leadership development programs learn to access service systems and enhance the system's ability to serve the local community through their participation on local boards and other policy setting bodies.
Respite Care
Respite services provide temporary child care assistance to parents or other caregivers. Services are usually short term (several hours to a couple of weeks) and target families with children with disabilities and/or special needs.
Family Support (FS)
Services programs are primarily preventive activities designed to alleviate stress and promote parental competencies and behaviors that will increase the ability of families to successfully nurture their children; to enable families to use other resources and opportunities available in the community; and, to create supportive networks that enhance child-rearing abilities of parents and help compensate for the increased social isolation and vulnerability of families.
Family Resource Center (FRC)
A common family support service model, the FRC is a one-stop centralized source for family services that may be provided through information and referral, and on site or home-based strategies. Services established at FRCs target families and children from birth through elementary school-aged, and are provided for all family members. Examples of family support service models that are often incorporated in an FRC program often include parent education, leadership development, and information and referral services, along with an array of other services unique to the community.
