1017               HOME VISITS - FAMILIES FIRST WORK SERVICES

The Families First Work Services model (Attachment II) adopts a “whole family” approach when assessing barriers affecting a family from achieving self-sufficiency or their highest level of independence from a temporary time limited program. Historically, home visits have been used for ATAP Alaska Temporary Assistance Program penalties. Home visits provide case managers an opportunity to evaluate a family’s needs as a whole, taking into account both the positive and negative attributes that contribute to a family’s current circumstances and their day to day life complexities.

Home visits are an excellent opportunity to get to know a client, their family members, environment, related challenges, and to build a trusting and mutually respectful relationship with the participant and family. This relationship can be helpful in assisting the family in achieving self-sufficiency. Home visits may be conducted more frequently with clients in the Families First Work Services, as their needs have been identified as substantial through preliminary assessments and referral to the Families First track; however, home visits may be beneficial for families referred to the Work First track as well.