stanislaus county children and family services families in partnership after care program a parent...
TRANSCRIPT
Stanislaus County Children and Family ServicesFamilies In Partnership After Care Program
A Parent Mentor Program
Stanislaus County
Population: 450,000
CalWorks population: 6,265
Annual Child Welfare Referrals: 10,250
Current Linked families in voluntary services: 44
Program Development Stanislaus County Child and Family Services has
successfully maintained an intensive voluntary services multi-disciplinary program. (Families In Partnership)
Families In Partnership (FIP) has implemented Linkages and the on site CalWorks eligibility workers are part of the multidisciplinary team.
In 2006 Child and Family Services began developing After Care services at F.I.P.
Program development cont.
An after care proposal was developed to provide families a smooth transition to community based resources, and reduce the incidence of recidivism following intensive voluntary services.
The key component of the proposal was the parent advocate whose role was to help guide the families’ through the voluntary services process.
The proposal was submitted and accepted by the Children and Family Commission (Prop 10) for funding.
Program Description Families within the last three months of their voluntary
services timeframe are referred to the Family Advocate by the social worker.
At the time of case closure any areas of the case plan that need completion or support are identified, and are the basis for the services provided by the Family Advocate.
The Family Advocate divides their time between the FIP site and the Family Resource Centers in an effort to promote client accessibility and resource transition.
The Family Advocate Position The Family Advocate’s function is to increase
the number of families who have completed their Child Welfare and Welfare to Work case plans.
This includes: Family contacts Identifying and maintaining safe and stable housing Support in continued sobriety Positive parenting skills Job readiness Information and referrals to community resources
including family resource centers Transportation Mentoring Basic needs
Family Advocate Candidate The Family Advocate needed to have the
following characteristics: Working knowledge of how to navigate both
the Child Welfare and CalWorks systems Working knowledge of recovery principles Good relationships with community
resource providers Be able to work independently, has initiative,
has clear boundaries, and is able to engage clients.
Outcomes
23 families participated since January 2008
83% of families had no substantiated CPS referrals of abuse and/or neglect during or after completion of Aftercare services.
All 23 families remained out of the Court system.
5 successfully completed the After Care program.
Contact Information
Bergen Filgas, M.S., M.F.T.
Manager III
Stanislaus County
Child and Family Services
P.O. Box 42
Modesto, Ca. 95353
(209) 541-2180
Paula McDowell
After Care Specialist
Stanislaus County
Child and Family Services
P.O. Box 42
Modesto, Ca. 95353
(209) 541-2494