Family System Of Care

Funded by the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB), the Family System of Care (FSOC) provides a comprehensive, continuous, integrated, and readily accessible System of Care to serve Pinellas County families in need of behavioral health services. The FSOC program offers community-based services that are individualized, culturally competent, built on strengths, and designed to meet the needs of children and families across multiple life domains to promote success, safety, and permanence in home, school, and community.

FSOC serves children and families residing in Pinellas County in need of support services. The program empowers families to work with providers to develop a personalized service plan based on an assessment of the family's strengths, needs, and goals. The greater intent is to encourage family resiliency, enhance individual, family, and community resources, and firmly link families with natural community supports.

The underlying philosophy of the program takes the System of Care approach. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines a system of care as "....an approach to services that recognizes the importance of family, school, and community, and seeks to promote the full potential of every child and youth by addressing their physical, emotional, intellectual, cultural, and social needs (SAMHSA, 2008)." The effectiveness of such systems has been demonstrated through longitudinal evaluation data from communities funded by SAMHSA for Systems of Care development. These communities report significant improvement in key outcomes including fewer days in inpatient care, reduced arrests, sustained mental health improvements, reduced suicide-related behaviors, improved school attendance and achievement, and significant reductions in juvenile detention and other secure facilities.

Program Elements:

• A one-stop single entry access system to a full continuum of  social supports and nontraditional services, including those related to health and wellness.
  • Free, Confidential Assessment in your own home. Appointments available evenings and weekends.
• Systems Navigators to work with families for the duration of services, ensuring successful linkage, removing barriers to access, facilitating transition plans for youths age 17, and acting as advocates and consistent points of contact for the family
• Family Team Conferencing to develop effective, empowering service plans

For referrals call toll free 2-1-1.
For inquires or additional information, please contact CFBHN at (813) 740-4811

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