FAMILY SUPPORT ONESTOP MODEL – The Family Support OneStop Model is a comprehensive, integrated, community-based program designed to connect families with children who have special needs to formal and informal supports to achieve the life they envision.

This model uses a multi-level approach to engage families, service providers and local community organizations in developing an integrated family support system that is consistent with family values and priorities, individualized to meet family needs, and culturally appropriate. The model is grounded in extensive research on strengths-based service provision, social support and network theories, and parent-to-parent support models, and builds on FSP’s past experience developing and implementing this type of model.

Benefits for Parents and Families

• Enhanced understanding of family strengths
• Increased access to services and resources, both formal and informal, that are provided in a culturally-appropriate manner
• Understanding of how to navigate and leverage services and resources to achieve family goals
• Increased sense of self-sufficiency and empowerment
• Enhanced ability to problem solve and set goals
• Decreased sense of social isolation
• Decreased stress/anxiety/depression

Benefits for Service Providers and the Community

• Enhanced understanding of the needs of families with a child with special needs
• Increased efficiency and effectiveness of service provision
• Reduced duplication of services
• Increased knowledge of available resources
• Creation of productive and sustainable partnerships with other providers and agencies in the community that have similar goals
• Increased capacity of the community to assess needs and develop collaborative responses to support families with children who have disabilities