APRIL. 2019
The Role of the Family Partner on Clinical and Family Support Teams The FRC has three new Family Partners supporting the families we serve. Tamara Garnes has joined Alameda County’s Tri-City Children and Youth; Celestina Cantu was hired by Fremont’s Youth & Family Services; and Lindsay Mendez recently joined the FRC Core Team as a Homeless Advocate/Family Partner. A Family Partner is a para-professional with lived experience that is relevant to the program in which
they are serving. Family Partners can assist parents in successfully navigating some of the many challenges parents face. They play an important role on the clinical team by standing with parents as one who has been there and providing support so that caregivers are better
equipped to care for their children with social emotional challenges and stabilizing their living situations. Family Partners advocate for their clients, eliminate barriers and link clients to services. Lindsay, for example, links homeless clients to temporary housing opportunities, Tamara and Celeste support families’ engagement in mental health services. All three work to decrease the effects of stigma and isolation and work to find culturally responsive supports in their own communities. For children, Family Partners may support families when IEPs (individualized education program) are conducted; for homeless clients, it may be connecting them to employment, training or substance use services. Referrals for Family Partners are made in conjunction with the counselor/case manager assigned to each family. Family Partners meet parents and clients where they are and are available by phone, in the community, or their home or office to provide support, education and encouragement.
IN THIS ISSUE • CalFresh Changes • Monthly Calendar • A Client Story • Resource Guide • Agency Spotlight • VITA Deadlines