Welcome to the Consumer Centered Family Consultation “Family Information Night” Hosted by: The Family Institute for Education, Practice & Research The webinar will begin shortly. Thank you for your patience. For audio access, please call , then enter code: # For any technical difficulties, please call

Agenda for Today Family Information Night Queries – What is Family Information Night? – What is the purpose for having a Family Information Night? – What are the potential benefits of having a Family Information Night? – What does an agency need to do to organize a Family Information Night? – Questions agency staff should address prior to holding the Family Information Night – The difference between Family Information Night and Family Education Curriculum? Let’s here from programs that have held Family Information Nights Wrap-up & Survey

What is a Family Information Night? Family information night is like an open house for clinicians, consumers and families. It provides information about the specific agency – Programs within the agency – Specific services available to consumers – Specific services available to families – Can have education/information themes – Specific information on community resources

What is Family Information Night cont.? It is an opportunity for an agency to show what it is proud of and an opportunity for clinicians consumers and families to share resources, education/information and support with one another in a non-threatening environment It can be as simple or elaborate and creative as the agency chooses it to be.

What is the purpose for having a Family Information Night? The purpose for holding a family information night is that it gives the agency an opportunity to literally open their doors to consumers and their family/social support network to inform them and guide them through the mental health resources that are available to them.

What are the potential benefits of holding a Family Information Night? Possible benefits of hosting a family information night include but are not limited to: – Increase in staff and consumer morale when highlighting services available in the agency – Breaking down the walls of stereotypes and stigma related to mental health issues – Gives staff an opportunity to ask the family what they need from the agency to assist in the consumers recovery

What are the potential benefits cont. Provides education and support Development of a different perspective for all three ends of the treatment triangle Obtain referrals for other programs within the agency such as, Consumer Centered Family Consultation and other referrals to enhance satisfaction with treatment enhancement in quality for life for consumers and their loved ones

What does an agency need to do to organize a Family Information Night? Some agencies have one person designated as the Family Liaison while others may choose to have a committee to plan and host the family information nights. It will take a concerted effort to plan and host the first event, but as future events are planned the momentum builds and the process grows with enthusiasm.

Questions agency staff should address prior to holding the Family Information Night Who will run the family information night(s)? When will the family information night(s) be held? Where will the event(s) take place? How will the process of the event(s) take place? What content will be on the family information night agenda(s)? What refreshments will be served?

The Difference between Family Information Night & Family Education Curriculum

Family Information Night Purpose: An informational meeting hosted by a mental health agency/program that has the feel of an open house with food & drinks being provided. Duration: Flexible - one time, multiple times per year and/or quarterly. Components: Flexible - depending on the needs of the consumers and their families. Formal presentations by agency staff can be made and/or outside speakers could present on topics related to mental health recovery and resources.

Family Education Night Purpose: To provide reliable psychoeducational materials in a classroom setting for consumers & their families/support Duration: Takes place over several weeks or months Components: Workshop model led by a mental health professional and peer consultant that follows a standardized syllabus

Questions & Answers Session Let’s hear from agencies that have held Family Information Nights!

Wrap-up & Surveys

Thank you for being with us today The slides in this webinar will be made available on our website at Our next event will be an online meeting on “General Implementation Issues” It will be held on August 13 th from 12 pm to 1pm and 3pm to 4pm