Summer 1999
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In this issue 'It's fun and you could learn a lot' -- Kids teach seniors about the Internet IMTC Y2K program goes national Extension attracts new state funding SF 361 helps strengthen Iowa families K-12 youth discover science, technology through E-SET Cultural communications workshops build understanding with service providers, Hispanic populations |
Family development approach builds on family strengths When working with Iowa families-in-need, Iowa State University Extension believes in building on family strengths rather than dealing with negative factors. The Iowa Department of Human Rights, in cooperation with the Department of Human Services, invited proposals to build a training program for family workers that would underscore that positive approach. ISU Extension responded with the Family Development Certification Training program, a six-month program that also carries college credits and Continuing Education Units (CEUs). To date, it is the only approved certification program for family development workers in the state. Piloted in fall 1998, a second session began in spring and a third is scheduled for fall.
"Family development workers make home visits and work with families, providing resources and assistance to help them reach their goals," said Jeanne Warning, assistant director of ISU Extension to Families. ISU Extension's program is modeled after one developed at Cornell University, but is highly Iowa-specific, bringing in facilitators, professionals and faculty to work with those enrolled. While targeted at family development workers, the program also is attracting hospital workers, public health professionals and school system professionals who work one-on-one with families. "Past models," according to Warning, "find something wrong, then try to fix it. Our program grew from the best practices of the Family and Consumer Science profession and is a strength-based approach. We want people to build on the positives they find within a family." This is the first program to officially be approved by the Department of Human Rights and the multi-agency council that oversees Family Development Self Sufficiency (FaDSS) Workers. Warning explained that ISU Extension has always stressed "building on the strengths" of individuals, families and communities. "We want people to look at what is strong with families rather than what is wrong with families," Warning explained. "It is the approach ISU Extension and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences have always practiced, but it is a philosophical change for many within family support systems." Todd Hartwig, coordinator of services and FaDSS specialists at Iowa East Central TRAIN, an agency working with families in Scott County and surrounding areas, was one of the early students in the program. He wants everyone who works in his agency to gain certification through the ISU Extension offering. "It's natural for people to be deficit based if they are not used to using a strength-based model. It's going to take some time and effort," he said. Hartwig has strong opinions about the benefits found in the strength-based approach, citing improvements in his own workings with clients, within his office and on a personal level. Hartwig said the ISU Extension program uses
top-of-the-line facilitators. It also requires outside work
(homework) from students. "This motivates you and demands
you expand your thinking abilities. The program is simply a
notch above the rest." |
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