Allegheny County Family Support Annual Report. Family Support. where amazing things happen for children and families!

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Allegheny County Family Support 2009 2010 Annual Report Family

1 Allegheny County Family Support Annual Report Family Support where amazing things happen for children and families!

2 Family Support Policy Board of Allegheny County Our mission is to marshal resources and promote public policies to advance a comprehensive prevention agenda that emphasizes the principles of family support. Our vision is that all neighborhoods will have quality family support programs to promote and strengthen families. Message from the Family Support Policy Board Director The privilege of partnering with families is something we do not take for granted in family support. Increasing economic pressures and a demand to fund strategies with proven results has created an environment where only effective programs can hope to survive. In family support we know that it is our responsibility to demonstrate how investments in family support are a wise choice particularly in tough economic times. By investing in families and empowering our members to be confident and competent parents we can avoid a myriad of human and financial costs in the future. Research demonstrates that if we help parents increase their skill and knowledge, provide both concrete and social supports, and help families set and reach goals, we can see a powerful and lasting impact on parents and children. We are committed to continuing to providing families with high quality, evidence-based programs so that parents a child s first and best teachers can meet the challenges of parenting. The Allegheny County Family Support movement has been investing in families using the strengthbased principles of family support for over 20 years. Growing from three community-based centers in the mid 1980s to over 30 family support centers across the county, Family Support is a movement that is growing, learning, and meeting new challenges. We hope you will enjoy reviewing this report and learning more about Family Support...where amazing things happen for children and families. Ruth Kolb, Executive Director Family Support Policy Board 2

Map of Center Locations Family Support Centers are part of the community a place where anyone can go to learn how to be a parent, find friends, join a support group, and access

Family Support Centers build protective factors for positive outcomes: Family Functioning and Resiliency Adaptive skills and strategies to persevere Social Supports Informal

3 Map of Center Locations Family Support Centers are part of the community a place where anyone can go to learn how to be a parent, find friends, join a support group, and access resources such as free child development screenings. Family Support Centers build protective factors for positive outcomes: Family Functioning and Resiliency Adaptive skills and strategies to persevere Social Supports Informal supports from family and friends to meet emotional needs Concrete Supports Access to tangible goods and services in times of need Child Development and Parenting Understanding and using positive parenting strategies Nurturing and Attachment Emotional ties between parent and child with loving interactions 3

4 The Principles of Family Support Family Support is governed, designed and improved by participants and community members. Family Support is relationship based, fostering respectful partnerships between and among parents, peers, and professionals. Family Support is strengths based, building on existing individual, family, community, and cultural abilities and vitalities. Family Support services are designed by and for participants to meet their priorities and are collaborative among agencies to insure easy access and use. Family Support reflects, respects, and enhances the cultures of the neighborhood through the staff it hires and the materials and activities it provides. Family Support services are enhanced through program evaluations that reflect family support principles and that contribute to continuous program improvement. Family Support services are based in the community, serve the entire family without eligibility requirements, and are voluntary. Quality Improvement Family Support works as a network to build a system of strong centers. We continuously work to build our capacity to expand our reach and improve our partnerships with families. Our system includes: Quality Standards all centers meet both Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) Funding standards and voluntary Quality Standards It s different than other programs because we are all part of the same community. The staff lives here and is part of the community with us. Accountability for Results DHS regularly monitors through data reporting and on-site visits to track progress on service delivery and outcome targets Capacity Building professional development and individualized training and technical assistance is available to all centers through the University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development Outreach and Collaboration Quality Assurance Committee has representatives from throughout the system and meets bimonthly to review data and generate improvement strategies 4

5 Emergency Funds for Families Real Help Real Time Real Help Real Time is an emergency fund targeted to all families in the community. This fund was established through generous support from The Heinz Endowments. Real Help Real Time gave parents in each center the opportunity to develop guidelines matched to their communities needs. All parents were given a variety of options to pay forward the grant through volunteer opportunities. Grant Area Housing Transportation Utilities Food/Clothing Beds Other All TOTALS After the fire, we were able to have our gas turned back on. We took cold showers for 10 months and cooked meals on a hot plate. Now our house is warm, we can take hot showers, and have hot meals. Without this, I am not sure what I would have done. It has really changed our lives. GAPS Funds for Families GAPS is an emergency fund, established with generous support from The Pittsburgh Foundation and the Department of Public Welfare, targeted to employed families facing a crisis that could threaten their ability to stay employed. By addressing an immediate need such as car repairs or housing problems families are able to address problems before they snowball into even greater problems. 424 Families received emergency assistance through this project: Grant Area Housing Transportation Utilities Uniforms/ Supplies Other Child Care All TOTALS

Number of Families Family Support Demographics Number of Families Enrolled in Family Support 4000 FY

0 Intensive General Total Enrollment Type 3,651 families are enrolled in Family Support.

1,703 of families are enrolled for general services.

you. 214 more families are enrolled than in 2008-09, a 6% increase in enrollment.

6 Number of Families Family Support Demographics Number of Families Enrolled in Family Support 4000 FY FY FY Intensive General Total Enrollment Type 3,651 families are enrolled in Family Support. 1,948 of families are enrolled for intensive services which include goal planning and home visits. 1,703 of families are enrolled for general services. In family support they will always meet you where you are at; whatever level you are on, they work with you. 214 more families are enrolled than in , a 6% increase in enrollment. n = 5,904 (3471) (1784) (655) 5,904 children (age 0-17) are enrolled in Allegheny County Family Support. The Family Support Center is our extended family. They are there for us when we need them. 6

Family Support Demographics n = 4,318 4,318 adults (18+) are enrolled

(591) (1532) (1213) (601) (379) This center really helped me with my

I was so quiet but now I can talk to anyone or anybody.

Separated/ Divorced/ Widowed 10% Marital Status of All Adult

Single n = 2,247 Separated/ Divorced/ Widowed Living with a Partner I

7 Family Support Demographics n = 4,318 4,318 adults (18+) are enrolled in Family Support. (591) (1532) (1213) (601) (379) This center really helped me with my public speaking. I was so quiet but now I can talk to anyone or anybody. They also helped me with my parenting skills. Separated/ Divorced/ Widowed 10% Marital Status of All Adult Enrollees Living with a Partner 12% Single 57% Married 21% Married Single n = 2,247 Separated/ Divorced/ Widowed Living with a Partner I like coming out and doing the groups, meeting people and helping others. When we have activities like book club and arts and crafts it is so stress free. Getting together with other parents just relieves the tension. 7

Percentage of Individuals Percentages Family Support Demographics 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 20% Highest Level of Education 34% 17% 8% 7% 6% 4% n = 4,302 4% It is a well rounded program with

8 Percentage of Individuals Percentages Family Support Demographics 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 20% Highest Level of Education 34% 17% 8% 7% 6% 4% n = 4,302 4% It is a well rounded program with so many different things they can help you with finances, transportation, events, child care during meetings, groups. Highest Level of Education My daughter is 7 next month. I have been here since she was 3-6 months old. Now I try to link others to the center for resources and help with jobs or just advice. This is such an excellent resource I want others to know. Race of Family Support Enrollees 120% 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% Other n = 10,222 White African American 14% 18% 20% 24% 66% 58% Employment Status of Adults Enrolled in Family Support Full Time Part Time Other Unemployed Unemployed, 57% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 17% 0% General Race Intensive n = 1,890 Other, 3% 8

9 Partnerships with CYF In , 9% of enrolled families identified themselves as involved with CYF. Family Support Centers, regional CYF offices, and in-home providers work together to provide parent education and supports on a voluntary basis. Home visits, parent education groups and links to other families can help support all parents in being competent and confident parents. I explain that you don t have to have an issue like CYF to come to the center. The center is for everyone. Maybe you are just a parent that needs someplace to relate to other parents so that you don t get so frustrated. I think it prevents child abuse because it is a place you can vent, get with other adults, and realize you are not alone and that other parents are struggling, too. Goal Planning with Families This year a new goal planning process was piloted in family support. This new assessment and goal planning tool is modeled after the Family Development Credential techniques for effective strengths based goal planning with families. Families choose and work on goals with encouragement and coaching from their family development specialist. The pilot included data collection on 184 families. Most families chose more than one goal and nearly all families made progress on at least one goal. During a six month period, families made progress on the following goals: Goal Area Goal Progress during Pilot Study Achieved/Excellent Some Progress Little/No Progress Total Parenting and Child Development Self Sufficiency, Employment & Education Accessing Basic Needs Health/Mental Health - inc. D&A Family Relationships/Preservation (53%) 108 (23%) 111 (24%) 462 Families chose their own goals from a wide variety of areas. The majority of goals related to improved parenting and economic self- sufficiency. I had two big goals a learners permit and a job. I got a job and I just passed my test and got my learners permit. My goal was learning how to help my 7 year old with her homework. We needed a system so we could read together every day and get her school work done. Earlier this year they said she might not pass this year, but now the teacher says she can go to the next grade. Now I want to work on my goals! My goal was to read with my child every day. After a little while she started reading on her own and now she reads to her baby brother. My son is now potty trained it took us awhile, but finally, he is potty trained. 9

Community Voices Community Voices is a county-wide organization which is open to parents and community members from all family support centers.

Parent leaders in Community Voices also tackle issues in their communities which can benefit from collective action and advocacy. Community Voices meets monthly as well as hosting the annual picnic.

10 Community Voices Community Voices is a county-wide organization which is open to parents and community members from all family support centers. Community Voices is a place where parents can learn from and support each other. Parent leaders in Community Voices also tackle issues in their communities which can benefit from collective action and advocacy. Community Voices meets monthly as well as hosting the annual picnic. Community Voices and Family Center representatives from Prospect Park (Lead Agency SHIM) met with Senator John Pippy to advocate on behalf of the Family Support programs and line item increases to the state budget. "It is only through outreach from groups like Family Support and SHIM (South Hills Interfaith Ministries) that the impact these programs have is truly understood." - Senator John Pippy Community Voices representatives welcome parent council officers and leaders at the Meet & Greet session designed to strengthen parent council leadership, governance and empowerment and partnership with Community Voices. Policy Board Marc Cherna Twila Davis Nancie DiNardo Elaine Harris-Fulton Brenda Gregg Christina Groark Leon Haynes Louvenia Hornezes Rochelle Jackson Carmella Jones Elizabeth Jordan Tom Michlovic Barbara Minzenberg Eugenia Mosby Robert Nelkin Stefani Pashman Margaret Petruska Gloria Rodriguez-Ransom Leslie Reicher Father Regis Ryan Marcel Smith Walter Smith, Jr. Sheila Beasley Ruth Kolb Community Voices projects this year include: Providing input on children and family issues in the Pennsylvania governor s race in partnership with the Govern for Kids campaign Advising on a research project focusing on changing health related behaviors The Fit Wits project to bring health awareness to centers in partnership with Carnegie Mellon Collaboration with the Fred Rogers Center and Carnegie Mellon to create parent-focused applications for the internet and cell phones Working in partnership with DHS and Policy Board to explore ways to improve parent governance 10

Creativity: Where the Future Begins On May 14 & 15, 2010, over 300 parents and staff attended Creativity: Where the Future Begins, a two-day conference

Conference Outcomes 16 centers participated in art projects in cooperation with Gateway to the Arts, where artists came to the centers and worked directly

2300+ participants 744 advocacy actions taken 122 Family Support parents in attendance 180 center staff in attendance 150 workshops offered More than 60

11 Creativity: Where the Future Begins On May 14 & 15, 2010, over 300 parents and staff attended Creativity: Where the Future Begins, a two-day conference event cosponsored by the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC) and Allegheny County Family Support. Conference Outcomes 16 centers participated in art projects in cooperation with Gateway to the Arts, where artists came to the centers and worked directly with parents and children in creating artwork that was displayed at the conference participants 744 advocacy actions taken 122 Family Support parents in attendance 180 center staff in attendance 150 workshops offered More than 60 organizations collaborated in sponsorship, donation, planning, and volunteering to make the conference a success. In Family Support I did a speak out at the conference. That helped me to get over my fear and now I often am called on to speak out before other groups. 11

Outcome Survey The Family Support Program Outcome Survey was developed and tested by the FRENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention as a tool for measuring outcomes.

parental confidence. In May 2010, 561 enrolled families from 24 Allegheny County Family Support Centers completed the survey. Survey results aggregated from all centers are below.

12 Outcome Survey The Family Support Program Outcome Survey was developed and tested by the FRENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention as a tool for measuring outcomes. Questions focus on how well family support centers address family needs and increase protective factors using prevention strategies, such as reducing stress, building support networks, and increasing parental confidence. In May 2010, 561 enrolled families from 24 Allegheny County Family Support Centers completed the survey. Survey results aggregated from all centers are below. Additional items also focus on protective factors and qualitative data regarding program effectiveness and parent recommendations for program improvements. Coming to my house and talking to me about my child made a big improvement. I would like to learn how to improve the communication with my kids teachers. I like the screening [Ages and Stages Questionnaire] because I know how my baby is growing up. Strongly Disagree Before and After Program Enrollment Strongly Agree I have relationships with people who provide me with support when I need it. I know who to contact in the community when I need help. I have confidence in my ability to parent and take care of my children. When I am worried about my child I have someone to talk to. I know how to meet my family s needs with the money and resources I have. I can stand up for what my family and children need. I make choices about family schedules and activities that reduce family stress Mean Before Mean After

13 Our Impact in Family Support focuses its efforts in 5 key outcome areas: Healthy Development and Health Care Services for Children 92% (4215) of children had health insurance. All centers work to enroll children in CHIP. 93.5% of children had up to date immunizations 300 pregnant women and their families received support services Our beds were coming apart and were not safe. They helped me find beds for my children so they did not have to sleep on the floor. Positive Child Development 1388 children received development screenings using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Evidence based parenting curriculums are used during home visits. Parents as Teachers and the Nurturing Program are used in family support centers 98% (210) of kindergarten-eligible children were enrolled on time with any needed educational supports in place 145 children in family support have been identified with delays and are receiving early intervention services When they came to my house for visits they helped me to see that my child had a speech delay. Then they brought in other organizations who could work with my daughter. Now she is right where she is supposed to be. Preservation of the Family Unit 328 CYF-involved families receive services such as supervised visits at the center, work on service plans, parenting groups and home visits 598 parents participated in parent support groups There were 61 pregnant teen-agers enrolled in family support centers this year and 43 teen parents. Young parents are an important group to target with prevention efforts. 804 fathers are enrolled in Family Support and work with trained fatherhood facilitators. With my parenting they taught me how to keep trying and keep learning. Seamless, Comprehensive and Easily Accessed Network of Services for Children and Families Family support completed a pilot study using a new goal planning tool based on the Family Development Credential and Parents as Teachers curriculum. 184 parents rated their progress after 5 months in the pilot: 53% (243) of goals were achieved or families made excellent progress, while overall parents showed progress on 76% (351) of their goals. 122 Parents attended the Family Support Conference with a focus on enhancing creativity and integrating the arts into literacy and home life. They connect you to resources and if they don t have it here they know how to point you in the right direction. Economic Self Sufficiency 860 TANF families are participating in family support centers 703 families received help with education, employment or adult literacy. 790 adults received help with food and housing and 202 with utility assistance. 913 Families received assistance through the GAPS and Real Help Real Time programs The Gaps program helped me with rent when my husband left. Otherwise, we would be homeless 13

14 The Family Support Infrastructure Children and Families East Liberty FSC Wilkinsburg FSC Providence FSC Pitcairn FSC Hill District Center for Nurturing Families John Heinz FC McKeesport FC First Steps Parenting Program Highlands FC Duquesne FSC Turtle Creek FCC...partnering with... Sto Rox FF/EHS* Wilkinsburg FC McKeesport 7th Ward Satellite FC Northview Heights FSC Wilkinsburg FCC Hill District FF/EHS* Clairton FF/EHS* East Allegheny FC Lincoln Park FC Clairton FC Latino FC* 33 Centers Braddock FCC Hilltop FCC Positive Parenting Program Duquesne FC Steel Valley FC Sto Rox FC Prospect Park FC Rankin FCC Lawrenceville FCC Homewood-Brushton FSC East Hills FSC*...hosted by... Rankin Christian Center Jubilee Association Homewood-Brushton YMCA Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC The Kingsley Association Focus on Renewal Family Resources Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Providence Connections Community Human Services The Consortium for Public Education 15 Lead Agencies University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development Primary Care Health Services South Hills Interfaith Ministries Allegheny Intermediate Unit...working together as a movement for families in Allegheny County through strategic leadership and funding from Allegheny County Department of Human Services and public and private funders......through our... Infrastructure Family Support Policy Board parents, stakeholders, and funders Community Voices parents from across all centers Roundtable leaders from each of the Host Agencies Site Director Networking - directors from each Center Family Development Specialist Networking FDS from each Center LIFT Networking data and information specialists from each Center Partnerships for Family Support Training and Technical Assistance University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development *(These centers were not included in data collection.) Data for this report was collected through the Family Support LIFT (Linking Information and Families Together) information system during Fiscal Year , July 2009 through June Quotes are from Family Support parents. Photos are courtesy of Family Support families. For more information about Family Support, contact: Ruth Kolb, Director, Family Support Policy Board, University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development, 400 N. Lexington Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208, rkolb@pitt.edu,

15 Family Support Centers in Allegheny County CENTER ADDRESS PHONE Braddock Family Care Connection (Children s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC) Clairton Family Center Clairton Family Foundations/EHS (The Consortium for Public Ed./University of Pittsburgh OCD) 818 Braddock Ave. Braddock, PA Miller Ave. Clairton, PA Mitchell Ave. Clairton, PA (412) (412) (412) Duquesne Family Center One Duquesne Plaza Duquesne, PA (412) Duquesne Family Support Center (Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh) East Allegheny Family Center East Hills Family Center (Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh) East Liberty Family Support Center (The Kingsley Association) First Steps Parenting Program Highlands Family Center Hill District Center for Nurturing Families (Family Resources) Hill District Family Foundations/ Early Head Start (Community Human Services / University of Pittsburgh OCD) Hilltop Family Care Connection (Children s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC) Homewood Brushton Family Support Center (Homewood-Brushton YMCA) John Heinz Family Center (Jubilee Association) Latino Family Center 15 1 Library Place Duquesne, PA Westinghouse Ave. Wilmerding, PA East Hills Drive Pittsburgh, PA Frankstown Ave. Pittsburgh, PA th Ave. 2nd Floor McKeesport, PA East 4 th Ave. Tarentum, PA Centre Ave. St 310 Pittsburgh, PA /15 Centre Ave. Suite 301 Pittsburgh, PA Arlington Ave. Mt. Oliver, PA Bennett St. Pittsburgh, PA Wyandotte St. Pittsburgh, PA Murray Ave. Pittsburgh, PA (412) (412) (412) (412) (412) (724) (412) (412) (412) (412) (412) (412)

16 Family Support Centers in Allegheny County Lawrenceville Family Care Connection (Children s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC) Lincoln Park Family Center CENTER ADDRESS PHONE 5235 Butler St. 1 st Floor Pittsburgh, PA Ridgeview Ave. Penn Hills, PA (412) (412) McKeesport Family Center McKeesport 7 th Ward Satellite Family Center Northview Heights Family Support Center (Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh) Pitcairn Family Support Center (Rankin Christian Center) Positive Parenting Program (Focus on Renewal) Prospect Park Family Center (South Hills Interfaith Ministries) Providence Family Support Center (Providence Connections) Rankin Family Care Connection (Children s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC) Steel Valley Family Center Sto Rox Family Center Sto Rox Family Foundation/ Early Head Start (Focus On Renewal / Univ. of Pgh. OCD) Turtle Creek Family Care Connection (Children s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC) Wilkinsburg Family Care Connection (Children s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC) Wilkinsburg Family Center Wilkinsburg Family Support Center (Primary Care Health Services, Inc.) Fifth Avenue 2 nd Floor McKeesport, PA Cornell St. McKeesport PA Hazlett St. Pittsburgh, PA Highland Ave. Pitcairn, PA FOR/StoRox Neighborhood Corp. 701 Chartiers Ave. McKees Rocks, PA Maple Ave. Apt 6 Pittsburgh, PA Brighton Rd. Pittsburgh, PA Rankin Christian Center 230 Third St. Rankin, PA E. Eighth Avenue Homestead, PA Broadway Ave. McKees Rocks, PA FOR/Sto Rox Neighborhood Corp. 224 Helen St. McKees Rocks, PA Penn Plaza Shopping Center 208 Penn Ave. Turtle Creek, PA Hay St. Pittsburgh, PA West St. 5 th Floor Wilkinsburg, PA Wallace Ave. Suite 205 Wilkinsburg, PA (412) (412) (412) (412) (412) (412) (412) (412) (412) (412) (412) (412) (412) (412) (412)

Partnerships for Family Support January, 2011 Newsletter (Volume 7, Issue 1)

Partnerships for Family Support January, 2011 Newsletter (Volume 7, Issue 1) SAVE-THE-DATES Family Support Meet & Greet Sessions CITY CENTERS: East Hills, East Liberty, Hill District Center for Nurturing