Alabama Families and Communities Embrace
the Family Resource Center Model
The family resource center model has proven to be one of the most successful social service models available to communities and families. This model is a resource-friendly, effective manner in which families can access and utilize social services to address their complex issues.
Attributes of this model that champion the successes in helping families include: comprehensiveness and flexibility, individualized support, strengths-based and prevention-focused, collaboration across systems and disciplines, family focused, and relentless problem solving.
Accountability Gives Rise to the Alabama Network
of Family Resource Centers, Inc.
Alabama's experience with family resource centers in the early 1990's was positive but tenuous. In the Spring of 1999, four centers rallied together to support the important work of family resource centers across the state through 1) the establishment of measurable standards of operation, and 2) through the networking of sites that practice the ideals of highest quality, comprehensive family services. This grassroots effort gave rise to the Alabama Network of Family Resource Centers, Inc.
The Alabama Network of Family Resource Centers is an organization of non-profit centers that provides a wide array of services designed to strengthen and support families in Alabama. The purpose of the Alabama Network is to support the development, growth, and continuation of family resource centers by providing technical assistance, training, advocacy, resources, and networking opportunities. Each year, thousands of families receive intensive services at member sites, such as case management, counseling, home visitation, parenting, health, employment readiness, and emergency services. In addition thousands more youth receive services in school and community-based programs sponsored by member sites.
The Alabama Network carefully delineated 25 standards that provide oversight of service delivery, fiscal management, and center administration and accountability. Each standard is specific and measurable, and ensures that the highest quality of service is available to those families seeking assistance from a member site. Membership in the Alabama Network is based on proven implementation and maintenance of each of the 25 standards.
The Alabama Network Receives Legislative Endorsement
In May 2000, the Alabama Legislature passed into law the Alabama Network's 25 standards for family resource centers. This major milestone protects the integrity of Alabama's family resource center model and ensures the highest quality of service for Alabama families.
IMPACT of ANFRC
* Alabama Identified as a National Leader for Accountability
Many states have family resource centers, but Alabama is one of the first to implement accountability standards. In fact, Alabama is the only known state to have signed into law standards of accountability for family resource centers. The Alabama Network brings positive focus to Alabama and serves as a national model for replication of accountability standards.
* Helping Alabama Meet Federal Expectations and Mandates
As with all states, certain federal expectations must be met in order for the state to receive federal funding dollars and to self-direct as a state, independent of intense federal involvement. The Alabama Network helps the state meet these expectations in a wide range of issues such as welfare reform and welfare-to-work initiatives. Additionally, through its work with families and partnership with state agencies, the Alabama Network assists the state in achieving compliance with federal mandates such as the R.C. decree involving the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
The member sites of the Alabama Network are ready to leverage federal dollars through quality service, and are prepared to implement needed programs, identify options, and discover new possibilities that promote a shared vision for Alabama's families.
* Inter-agency partnerships are enhanced, reducing duplication of services and maximizing funding dollars
As financial and other resources continue to become tighter and more subject to proven impact standards, the Alabama Network stands ready to bring accountability and impact data to the forefront.
Family resource centers link agencies, services, and programs within a community together to maximize funding dollars and prevent service duplication and overlap. The Alabama Network expands this partnership by linking all the state's family resource centers together, allowing the State of Alabama to provide high quality services to families while reducing service duplication.
* Ensuring Alabama's Citizens Receive Quality Services
All families deserve to receive high quality services. Member sites of the Alabama Network must compliance with the 25 quality membership standards each and every year. Endorsement of a family resource center by the Alabama Network helps guarantee that a family receives quality services.
* Increasing Alabama's ability to leverage outside dollars
The ability of Alabama Network member sites to leverage outside funds into the State of Alabama is enhanced through membership in an organization that ensures accountability. Additionally, attracting new businesses and families to a community is enhanced when a community can deliver quality social service through the proven family resource center model.
* Family Resource Centers offer a Message of Promise for Alabama
Family resource centers have proven their importance in Alabama. They offer a model of social servicess that works for service-seeking families as well as for agencies and communities. The Alabama Network's commitment to quality standards and on-going accountability is a strong message of promise for the future of strengthening Alabama's families.
