Family Resource Centers

Family resource centers are community-based flexible, family-focused, and culturally sensitive facilities that provide programs and services based on the needs of the families. Family resource centers, sometimes called family support centers, family centers, parent-child resource centers, family resource schools, or parent education centers, serve diverse populations and are located in a variety of community settings, including churches, school buildings, hospitals, housing projects, restored buildings, or new structures. Family resource centers promote both the strengthening of families through formal and informal support and the restoration of a strong sense of community. Resources include State and local examples. Services may include:

  • Parent skill training
  • Drop-in centers
  • Home visiting
  • Job training
  • Substance abuse prevention
  • Violence prevention
  • Services for children with special needs
  • Mental health or family counseling
  • Childcare
  • Literacy
  • Respite and crisis care services
  • Assistance with basic economic needs
  • Housing

 

The Family Development Matrix: Outcomes Model/Pathways Projectexternal link (PDF - 3,594 KB)
Endres & Navarro (2012)
Working Strategies, 15(1)
Discusses the role of family resource centers in using the Family Development Matrix Pathway process for family assessment and case management, the positive outcomes achieved, interventions used between 2008 and 2011, and initial findings on the impact of family engagement.

Guidelines for New York State Family Resource Centers external link(PDF - 173 KB)
New York State Office of Children and Family Services & New York State Family Resource Center Network (2011)
Explains what a family resource center (FRC) is, the services FRCs provide, and more. The brochure includes tips for creative outreach approaches and staffing recommendations.

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State and local examples

Alabama Network of Family Resource Centersexternal link
Lists family resource centers throughout Alabama.

Neighborhood and Community Resources
Fairfax County Virginia
Lists neighborhood-based drop-in centers in Fairfax County, VA, offering a safe, relaxed setting for family-oriented, onsite programs, resources, activities, and classes to strengthen families in their communities.

Families and Communities Togetherexternal link (FaCT)
County of Orange, CA, Social Services Agency & Orangewood Children's Foundation
Provides support and services to children and families through community-based collaborative family resource centers. FaCT provides the centers with program development and administration, funding, and training.

Family Resource Centerexternal link
Carroll Family Resource Center (2014)
Provides prevention resources and services, including crisis child care, early childhood projects, and parent time-out, to residents in Carroll, Iowa.

Family Resource Centerexternal link
Children’s Home Society of Missouri (2017)
Offers prevention and treatment resources for children who have been abused or who are at risk of maltreatment in the St. Louis area.

Learn to Parent – Houston, TXexternal link
ESCAPE Family Resource Center (2014)
Supports families in the Houston area through parenting classes, resources, and tips.

Maryland Family Networkexternal link
Provides funding and oversight for the network of Family Support Centers across Maryland that includes parents and young children to support permanency, safety, and well-being.

Upstate Family Resource Centerexternal link
Supports and strengthens families in the Boiling Springs and Chesnee communities in South Carolina through assistance and educational programs.

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