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BEM 200 1 of 5 FAMILY INDEPENDENCE SPECIALIST PHILOSOPHY AND FAMILY CONTRACT BPB 2019-006 4-1-2019

BRIDGES ELIGIBILITY MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

PHILOSOPHY OF FIP PROGRAM FIP The department goal is to assist families towards self-sufficiency. Self-sufficiency is best accomplished by: • Adults being employed, • Securing court-ordered child support for each child where appropriate, • Providing life skills training for those needing it including minor and teen parents, and • Ensuring that all children have access to medical care. As families become self-sufficient, we will meet the legal mandates such as work participation rates, reducing subsequent out of wed- lock pregnancies, ensuring that teens are completing secondary education, and ensuring that minor parents are living in appropriate settings. Role of the FIS The Family Independence Specialist (FIS) uses a Strength Based Solution Focused Approach and will: • Identify goals with the client and develop plans for self- sufficiency, expressed in the client’s own words, when possible. This will occur through the interactive solution focused process. When setting goals with the client, keep in mind that the goals should be clear, simple, specific, measurable, realistic, positive and important to the client. Clients must see their role in these goals for themselves to change concrete behavior. Monitor progress toward meeting the goals identified in the Family Self Sufficiency Plan (FSSP). • Modify or add to the plan, when there is a change in circumstances; or upon discovery of a challenge or concern. • Determine eligibility for financial and medical programs. • Identify and or authorize support services to help families carry out their plan.