Title: Social Work & Family Support Services - CARE For Children
Headings: Social Work & Family Support Services
Social Work & Family Support Services
The Role of a Social Worker
Social Work/Family Support Services:
The Family Support Program sponsors parent workshops where past topics have included:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my family is qualified to participate in the Family Support Program?
How much does it cost to receive Social Work/Family Support Services?
What if my family does not need services, can I still be involved?

Content: A social worker can assist with parenting stress and ways to balance daily family responsibility. A social worker can provide a bridge to community resources for a family in order to meet their needs. Information and referrals include connecting parents with resources such as obtaining SNAP benefits (formerly Food Stamps), enrolling in the medical assistance program or assistance with basic needs such as housing, heating, clothing, furniture, diapers, or WIC. Together with parents, a social worker can figure out what a family needs, find resources in the community that may be helpful, and assist with the application/referral process. For a printable summary of CARE’s Family Support/Social Work Program: Social Work-Family Support or the Social Work Flyer. Social Work/Family Support Services: Completing social/emotional assessments
Develop interventions to support the positive social and emotional growth of the child
Making home visits to support the parents in providing positive parent-child interactions
Providing families with information, skills and support related to enhancing the skill development of the child
Providing individual, family, or group counseling to the parent and other family members of a child, as well as appropriate social skill-building activities to the child and parents
Working with the family to address problems in the living situation that impede the maximum use of Early Intervention, therapeutic services, or that negatively impact their child’s development
Identifying family needs, and community services and resources that will help meet those needs; make referrals and help connect the family to those resources, help coordinate services, and advocate on behalf of the child and family
Assist families with identifying and securing needed resources, including respite care, transportation, home modifications, specialized equipment, and nursing care
Provide a database of referral sources and network of providers that will maximize community resources
Assist with and facilitate parent-to parent networking, linking families together as sources of support
Offer parent support groups and/or parent education, to help bolster family stability and promote child development
Educate parents about and/or offer training opportunities, to strengthen self- advocacy, increase knowledge of their child’s condition, and identify positive ways to deal with the common stressors of caring for a child with special needs
Help raise awareness among providers and caregivers about signs of abuse and neglect surrounding children with special health care needs
Identify gaps in services and work to bridge those gaps, to provide more comprehensive and effective services
Provide short term counseling, and emotional support to families in times of crisis
Assist families with identifying and building on their strengths, increasing their ability to problem solve, and increasing their sense of empowerment
The Family Support Program sponsors parent workshops where past topics have included: Stress Management
Parent Empowerment & Advocacy
Understanding School Based Therapy
Understanding Government Benefits
Child Behavior and Discipline
Communication Development
Alternative Therapies and Treatment
Advocacy
Disability Specific Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my family is qualified to participate in the Family Support Program?