FREE 3-day course, from 9.30am – 4.30pm each day with lunch provided.Partnership

The success of the Strengthening Families Programme relies on a well co-ordinated, multi-agency, partnership approach. Programme facilitator training is generally available to workers employed in relevant roles within local partner organisations.

   
Aims

Workers attending the training must have the support of their organisation and line manager to be involved in the programme. Therefore it is important to consider whether the aims of the Strengthening Families Programme reflect and support the aims of your organisation and whether the programme would potentially assist families you are working with.

   
Teamwork and Values

Each 7-week programme is facilitated by a small multi-agency team, therefore it is vital for workers to be committed to working in partnership toward shared goals. It is of equal importance that workers demonstrate a values base which is appropriate to the programme.

Workers need to consider if they have an interest in supporting a strengths-based approach to working with families, and are able to recognise and promote family strengths and resources. Do you have enthusiasm for family skill-building programmes and a strong sense of responsibility for carrying out the programme as designed?

Whilst the programme is of a highly structured nature it is also important to ensure that workers are able to demonstrate high a degree of flexibility. Can you be flexible with individuals and activities within the confines of a standardised programme?

   
Experience

Whilst it is not essential, it is desirable if workers can demonstrate experience in any of the following areas:

·         Experience, skills and confidence in working with groups

·         Presentation & facilitation skills together with good organisational skills.

·         Experience and skills in family/parenting/youth work

·         Knowledge of child/youth development in age group 10-14

   
Availability

Workers are asked to facilitate on a minimum of 1 programme per year. Programmes are generally held in the early evening of a weekday, therefore workers need to consider if they will be able to attend from 4-8pm and also attend a separate 2-hour planning meeting during the day each week. This adds up to a commitment of approximately one day per week for the duration of any seven – week programme. Workers must be supported by their employing agency releasing them during this time.

Workers accepted for training are expected to attend an initial information day followed by three consecutive days programme training.

   
CRB checks

It is imperative that all programme facilitators have a current enhanced criminal records bureau check within their employing organisation.