Family Preservation

The overall objective of the Family Preservation program is to provide immediate and intensive supports to prevent family breakdown or separation of children from their immediate family. Family Preservation includes providing intensive supports for a short period of time (3-8 weeks). The program does not rely exclusively on the Family Preservation worker as the only intervening factor, workers refer the family to other necessary service providers for ongoing supports and attend sessions with the family. It is the  Family Preservation worker’s responsibility to ensure a wraparound of ongoing services and natural helping systems that the family can rely on as their case is closed under Family Preservation.

Family Preservation workers will work with the family to create service plans with time targeted outcomes that are endorsed by the family. Outcomes are achieved by the family, with the support of the Family Preservation workers. Family Preservation workers act intensively in the capacity of facilitators, mentors, and counselors for the family.

This practice follows the traditional ways of Wabaseemoong Independent Nation, where often several generations live within the same household; or when grandparents have assumed a leadership role in the family; and/or when families make decisions as a whole unit rather than individuals, etc. Intensive supports include daily visits, daily assistance with activities, transportation to programming, mentorship for home maintenance and management, and initial attendance at programs with the family. It will also include service coordination with other services within the community and external programs such as treatment centres for substance abuse/addictions or other programs that address issues associated with domestic violence, codependency, or treatment for trauma.