Family Advocacy Initiative

The mission of the Family Advocacy Initiative is to assist the Department of Social Services, social service provider agencies and the broader community in implementing family-centered, strength-based policies and practices; and to empower families by promoting their right to be treated with respect, to participate in all aspects of service planning, and to have input into the systems, programs and practices that affect them.

Fall River was one of the communities that received funding for a Family Support Advocate position.  Since January 2001, we have had this position which has positively impacted the community and the Department of Social Services.

We are happy to announce our new Family Support Advocate, Ana Aubut!  Ana has been involved with the coalition for 8 years and has experience working with families as a parent aide.  Having grown up in Fall River, she is very aware of the community and has extensive knowledge of the resources available to children and families.  Ana will be working with the coalition on community projects and the Foster Care Support Task Force, as well as working at DSS with the Family Networks to help families advocate for themselves and bring community resources to the DSS social workers.  Ana can be reached at (508) 324-7900 or (508) 235-9929.

Positive Outcomes of the Initiative

• Family Support Advocates have increased and enhanced the quality of family participation at Family Network team meetings.
• Family Support Advocates have connected families to non-contracted resources in their communities, maximizing contracted dollars and surrounding families with supports that will exist long after DSS's involvement.
• Family Support Advocates have connected both DSS social workers and Family Network staff to neighborhood resources.

This position is funded through Community Connections Coalitions by the Massachusetts Department of Social Services