FamilyWise Services

Youth Wraparound:An intensive care planning and management process helping youth ages 8-17 who are high risk of institutional placement to stay in their homes, schools, and community. Youth and their families build a team of natural support systems to create a structured, individualized plan. In 2023, 74 youth and their families were assisted.

Supervised Parenting and Safe Exchange:In cases of family separation or family violence where the well-being of the child is in question, on-site and community/home, and supervised parenting is provided between non-custodial parent and their children in a safe, caring, and sensitive environment. 222 families utilized these services in 2023.

Prevention Education:FamilyWise produces and distributes thousands of pieces of prevention education and outreach materials throughout the year. FamilyWise also raises awareness online through website and social media training. Currently, FamilyWise has over 1,000 followers on Facebook. FamilyWise provides trainings and consultation on neurobiology, epigenetics, adverse childhood experiences and community resilience. Through regional training and community events, staff members facilitate dialogue about child maltreatment. Presentations reached 2,000 individuals in 2023.

Adult Parenting Education: Comprehensive parent education and support services for at-risk families through in-home and center based programming, including intensive case management, parent education, parent child interaction coaching, life skills training, early childhood education and counseling.

First Step Early Childhood:Education from fully licensed and accredited child development program service professionals for children ages six weeks to six years of age. Children participate in activities that stimulate their physical, social/emotional, cognitive, and language development with a focus on early childhood readiness for school. 37 children were enrolled in 2023.

Circle of Parents:As the Minnesota chapter of circle of parents, FamilyWise partners with communities to offer peer-led, mutual self-help support groups for parents and children throughout the State. At group sessions, parents support each other and develop leadership skills that transfer to their families and communities. Participants meet in a supportive environment to share their concerns and frustrations and to identify and commit to their own personal parenting goals. Participants are guided by volunteer facilitators that are trained by Minnesota Communities Caring for Children (MCCC) staff. 40 groups were held in 2023

Teen parenting: Parent education and mentor services for teen parents between the ages of 14-22. Services included life skills training, parent education, parent child interaction coaching, and a full year of support by a community mentor.