1. Janet Carlson, Ph.D.5/18/20151 FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS Generally located in home-like settings, family resource centers serve as informal meeting places for regularly scheduled classes, groups, and social activities … such as parenting classes, child care, short-term counseling, recreational activities, prenatal education, and adult education classes. Children’s Defense Fund, 1992

2. Janet Carlson, Ph.D.5/18/20152 Different Kinds of Family Centers LOCATION School-based Community-based (but school-linked) FOCUS Early childhood/ parenting Teens/youth Integrated services Community recreation

3. Janet Carlson, Ph.D.5/18/20153 Family Center Outcomes (examples) u relationships: family, friends u parenting skills u available school, neighborhood and community activities u quality child care u social, emotional, informational resources u basic resources: food, shelter, transportation, health & dental care u affordable housing u adult literacy and basic skills

4. Janet Carlson, Ph.D.5/18/20154 Family Center Outcomes: Systems Improvement u Access to programs, services, activities u Availability of programs, services, activities u Volunteerism u Public awareness u Community involvement u Family choice, satisfaction with center programs u No stigma

5. Janet Carlson, Ph.D.5/18/20155 ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS GOVERNANCE u Advisory board u Community representation u Leadership u Capable staff u Connection with local commission on children & families u Market-driven services, programs, and activities u Adequate resources u Access to training, technical assistance

6. Janet Carlson, Ph.D.5/18/20156 ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS COLLABORATION u Shared mission and vision u Action plan u Negotiated partner agreements u Articulated self- interests u Delegated authority for decisions u Communication and conflict plans

7. Janet Carlson, Ph.D.5/18/20157 ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS FAMILY SUPPORT u Home-like environment u Trusting relationships u Cultural sensitivity u Participants and contributors (not “clients”)

8. Janet Carlson, Ph.D.5/18/20158 Examples of Family Center activities in Oregon u Health checkups u Dental care u Gleaners u Head Start u Home school moms u Information and referral u Baby lap sits u Healthy Start

9. Janet Carlson, Ph.D.5/18/20159 Examples of Family Center activities in Oregon u Computers u Drop-in child care u Play groups u Hispanic family groups u Summer recreation programs u Baby brag days

10. Janet Carlson, Ph.D.5/18/201510 Examples of Family Center activities in Oregon u Arts and crafts u Soup kitchen u Emergency food and clothing u Dropping by for coffee u Project Safe Place u State and county agencies (AFS, SCF, health, mental health, juvenile)