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Family Resource Centers
Family resource centers are sometimes called family support centers, family centers, parent-child resource centers, family resource schools, or parent education centers. Family resource centers serve diverse populations and are located in a variety of community settings, including churches, school buildings, hospitals, housing projects, restored buildings, or new structures. Family resource centers promote both the strengthening of families through formal and informal support and the restoration of a strong sense of community. Services may include:
- Parent skill training
- Drop-in centers
- Home visiting
- Job training
- Substance abuse prevention
- Violence prevention
- Services for children with special needs
- Mental health or family counseling
- Childcare
- Literacy
- Respite and crisis care services
- Assistance with basic economic needs
- Housing
The Casey Family Resource Centers Initiative (PDF - 794 KB)
Drisko
Voices, Spring 2005
Describes the Casey Family Resource Center model and includes a chart of the phases and strategies that lead to empowerment and leadership within the community.
An In-Depth Study of First 5 Centers and Their Visitors: Focus Group and Family Portrait Analysis (PDF - 769 KB)
Applied Survey Research & First 5 Contra Costa Children and Families Commission (2009)
Discusses findings from an evaluation of five family resource centers established in Contra Costa County, CA. The evaluation investigated the attitudes and parenting practices of center families, characteristics of the families, community impressions of the centers, potential enhancements to the centers, and new opportunities.
Building Blocks for the Sustainable FRC (PDF - 879 KB)
Armstrong & Alderson
Working Strategies, 8(3), 2005
Outlines four factors important for ensuring the sustainability of family resource centers and other family support programs.
Family Resource Centers: "The Money Is Out There!": Sustaining Family Support Programs in a Time of Budget Cuts
Franklin
Children's Advocate, 2004
Seven steps for family support programs to sustain financial support.
Guidelines for New York State Family Resource Centers (PDF - 173 KB)
New York State Office of Children and Family Services & New York State Family Resource Center Network (2011)
Explains what a family resource center (FRC) is, the services FRCs provide, and more. The brochure includes tips for creative outreach approaches and staffing recommendations.
Poverty and Family Resource Centers: Where We Are Today (PDF - 956 KB)
Marcus & Alderson
Working Strategies, 8(2), 2004
Reports statistics about poverty in California and describes how family resource centers can promote social change by coordinating community services to support poor families.
Research Report: Denver Indian Family Resource Center (PDF - 1,106 KB)
American Humane & Rocky Mountain Quality Improvement Center (2007)
Discusses the activities and outcomes of the Denver Indian Family Resource Center's Rocky Mountain Quality Improvement Center, which aims to prevent removal and out-of-home placement, or to promote timely return home, of Indian children who have become involved with the child welfare system due to parental substance abuse, child neglect, or maltreatment.
Smart Cuts or Dumb Cuts: Family Support Programs in Tight Budget Times (PDF - 234 KB)
Gardner
What Works Policy Brief, 6, 2003
Reviews strategies for partnering with other community organizations, targeting clients, and financing operations.
A Study of New York State's Family Resource Center Network (PDF - 636 KB)
Center for Human Services Research (2006)
Provides a background and history of the family support movement, a basic description of the Family Resource Center Network, data from the program's management information system, and results from an administrative survey.
Working With Youth in Family Strengthening Organizations (PDF - 3,215 KB)
California Office of Child Abuse Prevention & Strategies
Working Strategies, 13(2), 2010
Highlights the Community Youth Development (CYD) approach and explores its impact on family resource centers.