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BEM 200 2 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

• Provide direct services such as counseling and problem solving when needed. This is especially helpful for clients who are in noncompliance. • Identify resources and initiate referrals for community services, including employment and training, and domestic violence counseling. • Explore options and authorize child care. Case managers should focus on building a trusting relationship with families using the solution-focused interviewing skills. This is best accomplished by doing an interview. Building trust requires accepting clients for who they are, and understanding they are key in identifying their own needs and strengths in moving toward self- sufficiency. Case managers will help clients discover their needs and build on their strengths, recognizing that open and frequent communication is necessary to build the family's trust. Use all available means in facilitating communications and trust. Such contact and communication are effective in developing and monitoring plans/contracts while reducing negative consequences. However, consequences will be used to reinforce the concept that clients are responsible for their own lives. Whenever possible, dis- cretion has been left to staff to work with families. Discretion includes the frequency and types of contact beyond mandatory cli- ent contacts. As the relationship with the client begins to build, the client may begin to disclose other barriers to self-sufficiency, such as domestic violence. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) believes all individuals have a right to be safe from violence. Domestic violence is a critical issue for many people. Victims of domestic violence need services that enhance their safety and self-sufficiency. If there is a disclosure of domestic violence, and the client is not receiving services, the FIS must refer the family to the appropriate community services. Determine if domestic violence presents a barrier to cooperation with agency requirements, such as pursuit of child support (BEM 255), participation in employment and training activities (BEM 230A), and third-party liability (BEM 257).