FAMILY SERVICES

     An important goal of the family service component of the program is to help families in their effort to improve the quality of life for all members of the family. Each family completes, with the help of their family Resource Advisor, a Family Needs Assessment where family needs are identified. The staff then helps the family find local agencies which can provide assistance. Each family receives a directory which lists agencies found in your own county. Staff helps assure that all families asking for help have a chance to receive that assistance.

     Another goal of the family service component is the recruitment of families for the program. Although all staff are involved in this process, we have found that parents who have had a positive experience are often recruiters for the program and are an excellent source for finding new families who are eligible for the program.

     Parenting and child development information and training's are available to help families cope with the stresses of children and family in their daily lives. Head Start is licensed by the Department of Child and Family Services. All agencies licensed as preschools or day cares as well as public schools employ staff, which are, mandated reporters. This means that all staff must report any suspected child abuse or neglect incidents.

  Family Partnership Agreement

     Families are required to establish goals based on tier needs assessment within 45 day's of their child's entry into the program. A copy of the Family Partnership Agreement is in the Family Needs Assessment. The family must initiate or identify a goal they are willing to work on or that they see as necessary to their future. Families that have difficulty in establishing a goal may be assisted by Family or Home Base staff in determining a goal. Goals should be clear. Goals should meet the needs of the family.

    Each family may establish one or more goals during the program year. Information is tracked regarding whether families meet these goals. Additional Agreements are available as families meet goals and wish to establish new goals

 

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