What does FII staff do that is different than social service staff?
FII staff is to collect data and document what families do through their own initiative. Staff refrains from directing or advising families unless families have taken the lead in creating and acting upon their own goals and ideas. In our experience families initially try to engage with FII as if it were a social service—looking to us for direction and answers. Once they understand that we’re waiting for them to take the lead they take charge and the relationship becomes a partnership. FII staff also acts as a bridge to new connections. FII generally has access to networks and people of influence in the pilot area. Once a partnership is established with families FII will connect families to these networks and resources. Our staff must intuitively look for the strengths, not the weaknesses, of families. Staff has to be comfortable in playing a supportive role, not a leading role, in the change process.
