Familywise Services

Causes: Child Abuse Prevention, Children & Youth, Children & Youth Services, Crime & Law, Domestic Violence, Family Services, Human Services, Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention

Mission: Strengthening families by promoting the safety, stability and wellbeing of children.

Results: In 2018, FamilyWise had the following outcomes through our programs: • 94% of parent interactions maintained safety and well-being. • 99% of supervised parent visits occurred without incidence of violence or unsafe circumstances for the families we serve. • 95% of families were connected to community resources. • 85% of children met developmental milestones. • 94% of children were living in a community setting upon exiting from program. • 68% of families reached self-efficacy. Each of our programs have deeper and more specific outcomes relative to the program participants. For instance, Bright Beginnings, participants (teen parents and their children) had the following positive outcomes after participation: • 96% of parents demonstrated positive interaction with their children and fostered their early • childhood development and school readiness. • 92% of children showed appropriate developmental progress. • 98% of parents continued their education.

Target demographics: children and families

Direct beneficiaries per year: In 2018, FamilyWise served 3,938 individuals across 1,547 households.

Geographic areas served: The Greater MN Twin Cities Region

Programs: Our programs focus on natural supports, experiential learning, education, and a therapeutic approach with expertise in trauma-informed care. Each program promotes self-efficacy by working to improve the family’s recognition of their own resilience and the availability of external and professional supports. The results create personal initiative in balance with systems that fulfill the FamilyWise mission to promote social change by strengthening families and the community through its program offerings, the core of which include: Adult Parent Education: Support for families at risk of experiencing abuse or neglect. A continuum of services guides parents to a greater understanding of the role they play in providing a safe environment for children. Last year, 530 families, including 1,087 children, received these services. Supervised Parenting: In cases of family separation or family violence, FamilyWise offers supervised visitation between non-custodial parents and their children in a safe environment. FamilyWise is the largest provider of Supervised Parenting and Safe Exchange services in Minnesota. 666 families used these services last year, improving safety for 704 children. High Fidelity Wraparound: FamilyWise is the only credentialed provider of High Fidelity Wraparound in the Twin Cities, using the evidence-based elements of family voice and choice and "wrapping" supports around families. 191 youth and their families used these services, with 62% of youth remaining in a community setting after finishing the program. Early Childhood Education: FamilyWise offers parents a highly accredited early childhood program, the First Step Early Childhood Development Center. Of the 56 children First Step served last year, 96% demonstrated age-appropriate child development. Bright Beginnings: A voluntary program for teen parents age 14-22 who have a history of out-of-home placement or justice system involvement. These adolescents receive life skills training, parent education, and mentoring. 174 young parents and their 138 children found support through this program last year, nearly doubling the number served the year before.