Family Finding, Search and Engagement for Wraparound

This course provides an overview of the family search and engagement (FSE) process; its history, development and legal mandates; and how to integrate the mission that every youth can have a forever family. These values and concepts can be instrumental in California’s Continuum of Care Reform efforts in building and engaging “family” and youth in the CFT meetings which focus on engaging all in case planning and concurrent planning efforts. The goal of family search and engagement is to develop a safe, lifetime family support network for each child and family that leads to a sense of belonging and security for children and youth.

After attending this training, successful participants will be able to:

• Identify strategies and resources that will help to identify, locate and engage family, as well as initiate important connections for children and youth
• Understand the importance of preparation of family and youth
• Recognize the benefits of engagement tools and strategies
• Meaningfully engage family, including fathers, paternal relatives and youth in shared planning
• Develop skills in utilizing FSE technology, tools and methods to find and engage family connections
• Engage and re-engage with family for successful outcomes

Participants will learn and practice strategies using actual files to identify family, important connections and non-related, extended family members, uncover contact information and how to engage all family, including those who might seem reluctant. Further, successful participants can leave this training with renewed hope that each child has connections to family and community that can enhance their options for permanency.