Family Based Services (FBS) is a voluntary program designed to help place responsibility and confidence in families who are experiencing some difficulties. FBS is available if a child is at risk of out-of-home placement, or is returning home from a placement FBS are: - Free of charge - Time-limited (3-6 months) - Provided in your home - Flexible and available during unconventional hours The FBS program was developed to create a sense of hope, trust and motivation in the family to assist them in coping with life's challenges FBS always involves a Social Worker and can include a FBS Provider, a FBS Therapist or any combination of the three The team approach provides: - Support - Accessibility - Variety The Social Worker will: - Establish family strengths, needs and goals - Develop a Family Service plan - Clarify ideas and expectations - Provide in-home counseling - Teach problem solving skills The Social Worker takes the lead in demonstrating respect for everyone's roles, skills and needs The Social Worker and the family may decide to include a FBS Provider as part of the team Under the Social Worker's direction, the FBS Provider works intensively with the family in several areas: - Parenting - Communication skills - Home management - Budgeting skills The FBS Provider offers: - Support - Encouragement - Practical advice for every day living This team member helps reinforce the family's progress, links the family to the community and helps create a feeling of trust between all team members The Social Worker and the family may determine that the FBS Therapist should be part of the team The therapist could focus on: - Individuals or entire family - Specific problem areas (depression, abuse, etc) - Crisis intervention/prevention - Counseling and guidance The FBS Therapist helps the family understand and cope with issues by exploring their personal feelings and thoughts When the FBS Program has been successfully completed, the family will have learned to cope, will have it's basic needs met and will have a more harmonious family life