1006-2           ENGAGING PARTNER AGENCIES

Relationship building with community professionals is a similar process to engaging families. Some agency staff will be unfamiliar with the Families First Work Services (FFWS Families First Work Services) model. In addition, some providers have varying experience in working collaboratively with outside professionals and families. The regional Families First Facilitator (FFF Families First Facilitators) is a resource for Case Managers to connect with new agencies that may be called upon to participate in Family Support Teams (FST Family Support Team).

Case Managers must ensure confidentiality by completing appropriate Release of Information forms (ROIs). All FST Family Support Team members must be included in an agency’s ROI Release of Information. The Case Manager will assure the agency representative that the only information required is how their schedule affects the client’s schedule, their ability to meet other agency expectations and to attend work activities (i.e., a behavioral health practitioner need not disclose a diagnosis; they have option to focus on the working conditions or the client’s ability to perform certain tasks).

• • • • Case Managers will develop mutual relationships with partnering agencies for the client’s success.

      • The expected outcome is beneficial for the client’s progress in following through on necessary services, FFWS Families First Work Servicesand Public Assistance.