FAMILY SERVICES

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Selected Family Interventions
Overview
The Selected Family Intervention (SFI) program is an integrated intervention model for families who are at risk for, or presenting with, problems related to one or more of the following conditions:

• Substance use
• Criminal behavior
• Mental health issues
• Parenting issues
• Abuse and neglect, or combinations (co-occurring issues)

While an abundance of research highlights the interrelated nature of these problems that often co-occur, there is an absence of models that effectively address these problems in an integrated manner.  The SFI model was created with the recognition that a “one-size-fits-all” model is not the most effective or efficient way to provide intervention to high risk families with varied needs and strengths.  Alternatively, SFI is a model that includes a vast assortment of manualized science- and evidence-based interventions that can be differentially selected and flexibly packaged to meet the unique needs of families.  It offers a standard framework within which customized intervention selections can be made and implemented.

The SFI model is being studied by Dr. Eric Wagner of Florida International University as a research project.

SFI is a system of care that begins with a thorough assessment of each presenting family to identify specific problem behaviors, risk factors and strengths so that a package of interventions appropriate to that family can be “selected” and implemented.  SFI includes a set of core interventions determined to be appropriate for all high risk families regardless of primary presenting problem/s.  That is, interventions such as increasing motivation for change, coping skills, family communication and support, that are important for all high risk family members.  Based on the specific presenting needs of the family members, the practitioner then selects and adds additional intervention modules from the SFI manual to create a customized package of interventions to address the specific needs of the family. 

Specifically, SFI is a short-term intervention system consisting of the following:

• A comprehensive assessment that identifies family problem behaviors, risk factors, and strengths.  Because the SFI model focuses on the family members, it is important to have the age appropriate family system assessed.  A complete assessment will also serve to identify when a referral to other additional community resources, including treatment, is needed.

• A core set of interventions to include: increasing motivation for change; family support counseling; coping skills; problem-specific counseling (group or individual sessions); medication management (if needed), and referral to supplemental community based services (e.g. tutoring, health services, etc.) as needed and appropriate.

• A customized set of interventions tailored to the specific presenting problem/s of the family.  That is, in addition to the core sessions all families will receive, the practitioner can select and provide certain intervention modules that are specifically relevant to a particular family (i.e., anger management).

The core hypotheses of the SFI model are:

• Motivation to change among family members is critical for successful intervention.
• The family is the primary locus of change for youth.
• True change requires attention to knowledge, skills, attitudes and behavior.
• There is a core set of skills and strategies that families can use to cope with problems that is independent of the specific nature of the problem.
• Problem-specific interventions must be accompanied by competence in these core skills and strategies in order to be successful.

SFI’s innovative family intervention targets five focus areas.  The first focus area, the family, is part of the core program all families. 

• Family Problems (Core Component):  Problems related to being single parents, grandparents raising grandkids, and other issues associated with non-traditional families and caretakers are addressed in a relational context and with specific behavior management strategies.  Also the family is assessed for other needed resources (i.e., literacy training, tutoring, treatment, health services, etc) and referrals are then effectuated.

The other four areas are addressed as relevant with specific intervention modules (see modules section): 

• Dependency:  Problems related to family bonding, family reunification, and foster home placements are discussed within the sessions with specific referrals made for more in-depth services such as basic parenting classes, and individual counseling to address attachment, abuse issues, and/or grief issues.  

• Delinquency:  Problems related to anger-management, anti-social behaviors, and pro-delinquent behaviors are discussed within a relational context.

• Substance Abuse:  Problems related to drug and alcohol use, managing triggers and relapse prevention are addressed through specific modules and are reinforced with attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), etc.

• Mental Health:  Problems related to emotional and behavioral difficulties are addressed by specific modules.  Referrals for medical evaluation, psychiatric evaluation can also be effectuated if needed.

Eligibility and Referral
The Selected Family Intervention (SFI) program will serve families in Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties.

The SFI program works in cooperation with the Department of Children and Families and Big Bend Community Based Care.  Child Protective Investigators who respond to reports of child abuse may request substance abuse evaluations for parents in cases were substance abuse is a contributing risk factor to the investigation. 

Referrals for the program come from Family Intervention Specialist. Length of services will vary but on the average will be run from 10 to 12 weeks dependent on the needs of the family. The program and the model were primarily designed to help families in need of services where transportation was a problem. It was also targeted at providing services to families in order to prevent youth from being removed from the home.

Once a family has completed the program, they continue to be eligible to receive supportive services.  If any of the family members begin experiencing difficulties and wish to speak with the SFI Counselor, we have the capacity to provide refresher or “booster” sessions to ensure the family maintains the success they achieved while in the program.  Additionally, all families who complete services will be contacted by their SFI Counselor ninety (90) days following completion for follow-up.

Target Population
The target population members of SFI are families at high risk for or involved with substance abuse, mental health issues, parenting issues, the child welfare system, criminal justice problems and/or related challenges.  In some cases the parents will be the primary client.  In other cases the children/youth of the family are the primary client.  In most instances, all family members are at risk because one or more parent or caretaker has a substance abuse, or criminal justice problem which may have escalated to the point of family violence and/or neglect.  As a family-focused flexible program, all family members will participate in SFI, though some members may need more sessions than others.  In nearly all cases, the SFI Counselor will link family member(s) to other appropriate therapeutic or community resources as needs dictate. 

Staff Qualifications
Counselors have a Masters degree, or Bachelor’s with years of experience, and passed a criminal background screening prior to consideration for employment.  Attainment of professional certification can add significant value to the program but is not required.  Prior experience working with youth and families is preferred as is knowledge of risk and protective factors and clinical issues associated with substance abuse, mental health, delinquency and child welfare.  Additionally, extensive pre-service training is provided on the SFI model before staff members are approved to implement the model.

Comprehensive Assessment
The SFI model begins with a thorough assessment to identify problem behavior/s, risk factors and strengths that have been found to impact the functioning of the family members.  The assessment is multi-dimensional and includes testing and interviewing of the adolescent and the parent(s) and/or caretaker(s).  Instruments used in the assessment are: 

• Global Assessment of Individual Needs – GAIN-Q
• Family Strengths and Risk Assessment

Once identified, the most effective intervention can then be selected and packaged with the core interventions. 

Accreditation
DISC Village, Inc. is fully licensed by the State of Florida and is accredited through CARF.

 

Referral Contact:
Jennifer Travieso
Family Services Supervisor
3333 W. Pensacola Street
Tallahassee, Florida  32351
Telephone:  (850) 575-4388 ext. 327
FAX:  (850) 576-3317

Toll Free Hotline:  1-866-775-4960