Family Stabilization (FS)

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

Utilizing a collaborative approach, the San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department (TAD), Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC), and community-based organizations are working together to address needs of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) customers experiencing multiple barriers to participating in Welfare-to-Work (WTW) activities. The new Family Stabilization (FS) Program provides unique services, including treatment of all family members, rapid rehousing, car repairs, tattoo removal, and other services not available to customers who do not volunteer for the program. Proven measurable results include 2,415 instances of direct services provided to FS individuals, improved interagency coordination and elimination of duplicate services. The goal of FS is to provide services to increase customer success in the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) WTW program and remove barriers to achieving self-sufficiency. FS enhances the level of customer participation in employment and training programs by providing education, referrals to available treatment options, linkages to resources, and intensive case management to minimize barriers to success. The customer’s WTW time clock is stopped during participation in the FS Program. Each County is able to design a FS program and menu of services to meet the needs of their WTW population.