Intensified family work

Intensified family work supports and helps families who are in challenging situations in life and who need strong support or need to a change to their current circumstances. This form of support is intended for child welfare clients. A family that is a client of child welfare services is referred to intensified family work on the basis of an assessment by a social worker in child welfare.

The social counsellor in intensified family work works in the family’s home, in the different everyday environments of the child and family, and at the office. When there is a compelling reason, we also work in the evenings and on Saturdays. Intensified family work is provided throughout the Soite area.

Meetings may involve working with an individual family member, the whole family and the family’s network. The more detailed content, method of implementation and duration of the work are always decided according to the situation of the child and family. The aim is to support the family in their responsibilities to raise their child and everyday life, and possibly to avoid having to place the child outside the home, which in part illustrates the intensity of the work.

The most important factor in the success of intensified family work is that the family recognises the need for change and is motivated to work towards solving their problems.

Intensified family work may include, for example

• Discussions about parenting
• Practical planning for smooth everyday life
• Practising interaction through games, play and activities
• Developing emotional skills
• Practising contacting and/or using services and strengthening social situations, for example going to the library or spending time outdoors
• Support with using services, for example group activities or health care
• Modelling and practising setting boundaries

Please note that cleaning, babysitting or acting as a support person are not part of intensified family work.