The information in this program outline is provided by the program representative and edited by the CEBC staff. The Shared Family Care (SFC) program has been reviewed by the CEBC in the area of: Reunification, but lacks the necessary research evidence to be given either a Scientific Rating or a Child Welfare Relevance Rating.

• Child Welfare Outcomes: Not Specified
• Types of Maltreatment: Does not target any specific kind of maltreatment
• Target Population: Families with an infant or young child in the child welfare system who are at risk of having their children removed or who are in the process of reunifying with them. The program targets parents who:have custody of at least one infant or very young child.may have just completed a residential alcohol or drug treatment program or are actively participating in an outpatient program.have a high risk of substance abuse relapse, as well as a potential for homelessness and child removal.Most children have open child welfare cases. However, this is not an eligibility criterion.

SFC is an innovative approach to helping families achieve permanency for their children and move toward self-sufficiency. Unlike traditional child welfare services, SFC involves the placement of a parent (usually the mother) and at least one young child in the homes of community members who mentor the families and help them to obtain the skills and resources they need to achieve these goals. The families are given comprehensive services to meet their needs and increase their social and life skills, as well as connect them to community supports for ongoing/future relationships. The overall mission of SFC is to protect children by offering services to parents and children together in a safe and supportive family setting. This setting helps either to preserve families or to facilitate the transition to other permanent arrangements.