Services We Provide
Family Development
The Family Development Certification Training
The Washington State Community Action Partnership provides certification to Community Action Professionals across the state
to become Family Development Specialists and Trainers.
What is the Family Development Certification Training?
It's training provided by the Washington State Community Action Partnership to certify Family Development Specialists. Over 950
Community Action staff have become Specialists as of June 2007. Through goal setting and family organization, Family
Development Specialists assist in leading families towards self-sufficiency.
What is the goal of the certification?
To provide the training necessary so specialists confidently provide consistent services irrespective of where the family receives
assistance. Trainers are certified to provide consistent training to Community Action staff to become specialists.
What is the role of the Family Development Specialist?
After completing a certification program and lengthy training, our Family Development Specialists work closely with eligible
families to achieve self-sufficiency in the following areas:
- housing
- nutrition
- income and budgeting
- employment
- physical health
- recovery from alcohol and drug abuse
- transportation
- child and adult education
- family and social relations
- legal issues
- parenting
- mental and emotional health
What does the certification provide?
Qualified trainers over three days use an established curriculum that consists of:
Introduction to Family Development
Joining - Interviewing and Dialogue Skills; Building Relationships, Cultural Competency.
Assessment - Assessing Family Strengths, Challenges and Resources.
Planning - Create well-formed goals and create plans to reach a families vision towards self-sufficiency.
Support - Evaluate barriers that may prevent families from moving forward.
Linking - Connecting families to community partners by providing effective referrals while continuing to support the family.
This is the only statewide certification training of its kind for Community Action Professionals.
What types of families are eligible to receive assistance from a specialist?
Families and individuals that are low-income and those in need of comprehensive services. Participants need to be willing to work
in collaboration with Family Development Specialists, who are professionally trained, certified and committed to helping each
family.
What else should participating families know?
The program is:
- Available locally
- Confidential
- Voluntary
Where can families and individuals get more information about the Family Development Program in their area?
To find a Family Development Specialist in your community, check out our Member Agencies page our call our main office.
Bob Swanson, Executive Director
P.O. Box 15940
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 527-7336
