FAQS

Q.If you are the Referring Agency does that then mean that you are then the Lead Agency?
A. No. The Lead Agency is identified and agreed upon at/or prior to the initial StrongFamiliesmeeting. The Lead Agency can be taken on by any agency – however it is usually an agency already working closely with the family. Importantly, the family must be in agreement with the choice.

Q. I am involved with a family who I believe would benefit from StrongFamilies but I am not sure if they would agree to being involved. Is there any way to make them consent to being a part of StrongFamilies?
A. No agency or person is able to mandate that a family must be involved in StrongFamilies It is ultimately up to the family to decide if they wish to be involved. As an agency worker if you are unsure if a family would like to be involved be mindful that it may take some time for the family to feel comfortable with the idea of participating in StrongFamiliesAt times, it may be useful to draw upon other agency workers who have positive relationships with the family, to assist with the referral process.

Q. What does ‘strengths based approach’ mean when you are involved in StrongFamilies?
A. Strengths based approach refers to practice methods and strategies that identify and draw upon the strengths of families. Within StrongFamilies, the approach acknowledges each family’s unique set of strengths and challenges and engages the family as a partner in developing and implementing the agreed upon Action Plan.

Q. If an agency is not currently involved with the family, does the agency have to attend the StrongFamilies meeting?
A. If the family have requested the agency to attend then the expectation is that an agency worker will attend and participate in the StrongFamilies meeting. By attending the agency worker can get the ‘whole picture’ making it clearer as to whether their agency will have an ongoing role which the agency worker can explain to the family and other agencies during the StrongFamilies meeting.

Q. As an agency worker, what do I do if I have information that is relevant but I am unsure if the StrongFamilies meeting is the right forum to discuss it?
A. The sharing of relevant information is critical to providing coordinated services to families and it is expected that agency workers will share relevant information at StrongFamilies meetings. If the information to be shared is of a sensitive nature it is necessary to discuss this with the family, prior to the StrongFamilies meeting date.

Q. If there is not 2 or more agencies currently involved with the family can an agency worker/family member still refer to StrongFamilies?
A. StrongFamilies provides a formal coordinated approach for families where 2 or more agencies are involved. However, the engagement process with the family provides an opportunity for the Referring Agency worker and family to identify the support network and will often find there are other agencies that potentially could be involved.

Q. Can agency workers who are involved in a StrongFamilies process, invite and bring co-workers, students etc to the StrongFamilies meeting?
A. Prior to the StrongFamilies meeting taking place, the agency worker needs to seek permission from the family to invite co-workers etc 

Q. What should an agency worker do if they are unhappy with the outcome of a StrongFamilies meeting?
A. In the first instance the agency worker should approach the StrongFamilies Coordinator to discuss their concerns and explore further.

Q. What happens if the family and/or agencies are not completing agreed upon actions?
A. The StrongFamilies process ensures openness, accountability and responsiveness. If inaction becomes a recurring issue then there is an expectation that the StrongFamilies Coordinator will follow up with relevant individuals. The Statewide Monitoring Group requires StrongFamilies Coordinators to provide feedback to agencies regarding specific agency staff participation in StrongFamilies processes.

Q. If an agency worker disagrees with another agency’s decision is it okay to state this in the StrongFamilies meeting?
A. Yes, it is important to be able to explore situations where there are different perspectives in order to find mutual understanding and a way forward. It is also important that these discussions be conducted in a safe, respectful and professional manner.