.png)
NATIONAL FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK STANDARDS OF QUALITY FOR FAMILY STRENGTHENING AND SUPPORT
The nationally-adopted Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening & Support are designed to be used by all stakeholders – public departments, foundations, networks, community-based organizations, and families – as a tool for planning, providing, and assessing quality practice. The Standards have created a common language across different kinds of Family Strengthening and Family Support programs such as Family Resource Centers, home visiting programs, and child development programs.
The Standards uniquely integrate and operationalize the Principles of Family Support Practice and the Strengthening Families Framework and Approach with its research-based evidence-informed 5 Protective Factors. The vision is that their implementation will help ensure that families are supported and strengthened through quality practice.
The revised version of the Standards, issued in March 2021, reflects an enhanced focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion and addressing community conditions that impact families’ healthy development.
For more information about the NFSN Standards and the Certification Training, visit the NFSN website here: NFSN | Standards of Quality
If you are interested in receiving a free private Standards training for your organization, please contact Aleena Mendoza at amendoza@thecapcenter.org
NFSN Standards Community of Practice in California
Interested in taking the certification training further at your organization? Starting February 2025, CFRA will host a monthly Standards Implementation “Community of Practice” where training participants can connect with their peers on topics and technical assistance to integrate the standards into their programs. Participation is free to all individuals who have participated in Standards Training. Please contact Aleena Mendoza at amendoza@thecapcenter.org for more information
Interested in free private technical assistance for Standards implementation? Complete our TA request form here.
Vehicles for Change
In 2000, “Family Resource Centers, Vehicles for Change” was presented to the field as the seminal document describing family resource centers (FRCs) and how they are a unique platform for service delivery and community engagement. Today, it is treasured as a guide to defining the key characteristics and activities of quality FRCs and how they function as a vehicle for change for families and communities.
The new monograph, “Vehicles for Change, Volume II, The Evolving Field”, emerged in response to widespread interest to tell the continuing story of FRCs and the field of family strengthening. It describes the factors that have contributed to the growth and development of FRCs and how they have responded to the growing body of research and best practice, while remaining anchored in a deep and rich history invested in the well-being of children, families, and communities.
The monograph refreshes the definition of the field based on the unique methods of FRC service delivery and community change efforts driven by relationships, reciprocity, and community development. This perspective serves to unite FRCs across the state as a “field of practice” and illustrates the environment necessary for FRCs to thrive.
For hard copies of Vehicles for Change monographs, contact Aleena Mendoza at amendoza@thecapcenter.org. For Training and TA on Vehicles for Change, fill out the Strategies TA request form
Our members are California Family Resource Centers and FRC Networks that reflect the culture and community of the people they serve. CFRA members join to heighten their center’s presence, expand their impact, improve their operations, and reach out to their communities in new and innovative ways.
We offer membership to existing organizations and support communities in establishing new Family Resource Centers.