Hume Family Partner Explores Her First Year

Not Simply Defined

When simply put the role of the Family Partner can be defined as a supportive person to families with children and youth utilizing mental health services (when simply put).  As I complete my first year as a Family Partner I realize that a simple definition cannot illustrate the support Family Partner’s give to families or most importantly the hard work, the growth and or accomplishments that families make with additional support, motivation, and a listening ear coupled with therapeutic services.

Initially coming in as Family Partner I thought it would be my responsibility to advocate for children, youth and their families. I imagined and thought it would be my responsibility to intercede when families felt unheard and to speak up in meetings when families were unable. I was wrong. Early on in my role as a Family Partner I realized that some of my responsibilities were to support children, youth and their families to recognize that they are the experts in their own lives, that they are capable of speaking up about the things that they desired and valued, and supporting children, youth and their families to hone in on strengths that were already present. As I complete my first year, I reflect on a caregiver of a youth who identified feeling discouraged and belittled when engaged with their child’s school. When working with this caregiver I recall our initial meeting where she was unable to make eye contact. I recall so many strengths that this caregiver brought to the room that she did not appear to be aware of.  I remember vocalizing what I observed her strengths to be and briefly describing incidences in which I felt discouraged and unable to speak up regarding my desires; this was the moment when her head lifted and she made eye contact. This was the moment where she would make eye contact in all of our interactions moving forward. I can’t begin to explain what this did for this caregiver’s voice and what this did for how I would move forward in defining my role as a Family Partner.

During this last past year, I have sat and supported families in varied settings. Rather it be at a school setting supporting the family during an IEP or standing beside a parent completing household chores in moments of overwhelm as a Family Partner I have met families where they are.  Again, a simple definition cannot illustrate the support Family Partner’s give to families or most importantly the hard work, the growth or accomplishments families make. The look when a caregiver hears that their families goals are valued, or when an overwhelmed caregiver glances over and realizes someone is there for them, or an unseen strength is pointed out, is when a simple definition just won’t do.

 

Kristina M Cox
Family Partner, Alameda County Child and Youth Services
July, 2014