Family Services

WHAT IS A FAMILY ADVOCATE?

A Family Advocate is a valuable FRIEND!

Finds resources to meet needs

Ready to listen

Involved in your family's Head Start experience

Engages your family in goal setting

Nurtures partnerships with families

Discusses and discovers a family's strengths

One of the most unique aspects of the Head Start/Early Head Start program is the Family Services component. Each family is assigned a Family Advocate at enrollment. During enrollment, the Family Advocate begins building a relationship with the family and addresses any immediate needs (food, clothing, or shelter) and/or concerns the family may have. They will also schedule a home visit with you to continue to get to know your family.

Families will have the chance to participate in a Family Partnership Agreement in which they can set a goal to work toward. Your Advocate will talk to you about your family's strengths and help you identify them. Once identified, those strengths can be used to help you think about things that you may want to improve and use as your goal. Many times, those strengths can actually be used toward accomplishing your goal. A goal might be to further your education, find a bigger home, find a job or a better job, or many other things. This process is completely family driven. Your Advocate can help you with any resources you may need and encourage you along the way. They will be a familiar face and a cherished FRIEND by the end of the school year!!

Below are some guidelines for setting a goal that can help you start thinking about the process!

S.M.A.R.T. goals are...

Specific

• What: What do I want to accomplish?
• Why: Specific reasons, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal.
• Who: Who is involved?
• Where: Identify a location.
• Which: Identify the things you need to help accomplish it.

Measurable

• How much?
• How many?
• How will I know when it is accomplished?

Attainable

• How: How can the goal be accomplished?

Relevant

• Does this seem worthwhile?
• Is this the right time?
• Does this match our other efforts/needs?

Time-bound

• When?
• What can I do six months from now?
• What can I do six weeks from now?
• What can I do today?