The Comprehensive Family Support program offers services based on a family-focused approach that builds on the strength of families, their natural support system and their community. Services also are based on an unconditional system of care, which believes that no family is hopeless, and therefore we will continue to provide services as long as the family remains engaged.

Families are referred to the Comprehensive Family Service Program by the State of Alaska Office of Children’s Services (OCS). The program provides services to families that have an open OCS case.

Some families are in the position where they need extra help to maintain their child or children safely in their home. Program staff work with them to recognize their strengths, develop new skills and access necessary resources. Other families’ children are in the custody of the state and are in foster care. Staff works with families as they work to build on their strengths, develop new skills and build the supports that lead to the reunification of the family.

Intake and Referral Services:

Referrals are received through the Family Resource Center. The referral is reviewed and assigned to the appropriate Specialist. Once assigned, we attempt to make contact with the family within 24 hours. If we are not successful in contacting the family within 7 days, a letter is sent; after 14 days a second letter is sent to the family and the referral source; and if no response is received by day 21, a third letter is sent to the family and referral source, closing the referral.

Assessment and Service Plan Development:

Once contact is made with the family, the Specialist begins the assessment process using the North Carolina Family Assessment Scale (NCFAS). Once the assessment is completed, the information is used to complete a service plan agreement

Clients provide input into their service plan during meetings that may include the client, service providers, and OCS, as well as natural supports and families or friends. It is important to the success of each family that plans are developed with input from all parties, especially the client. (Service plan development is designed to be complementary with OCS case plans, if one exists.)

Each service plan is individualized; therefore goals and completion times may vary.

Families may receive one or all of the following services through the Comprehensive Family Support Program:

Social and life skills
Relationship enhancement strategies
Communication skills
Job preparation skills
Daily living skills
Child development understanding
Disciplinary and crisis management
Self-sufficiency & self-esteem skills
Advocacy and support
Information and Referrals
Placement options and support.

Supervised Visitation:

Comprehensive Family Support staff interact with parents and their children in a safe environment to observe, model and teach parenting skills, positive interactions and age- appropriate expectations. Referrals for staff supervised visitations as well as scheduling of the Catholic Community Service visiting room for OCS supervised visits should be made through the Family Resource Center

Transportation:

Transportation services may be provided to families when it is necessary to enhance their ability to care for their children or aid in compliance with their case plan.

Follow-up services:

When a family completes its program, follow-up services are arranged through other agencies or programs within Catholic Community Service. In an effort to monitor the continued progress of a family, we contact the family at three, six, nine, and twelve months intervals after they have completed the program.