Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does a module consist of?
A: Each FFS module is a curriculum of solution-building blocks developed for families with diverse, yet specific challenges. For example, the Families Facing Solutions Mental Health Module is for families with a parent diagnosed with a mental illness. These families have precise, unique challenges and the module was designed as the result of my collaboration with five parents living with mental illness in New York State, each working hard to learn skills that could help them function most effectively as a family member.
Each module follows a step-by-step format similar to a teacher’s lesson plan. Each lesson incorporates hands-on experience with follow-up activities that include both observational and behavioral tasks. Handouts for each building block support positive family changes to be implemented between meetings. These handouts, as well as other documents, will be available for download to those with the manual.
Q: Who is the module for?
A: Families Facing Solutions modules were developed for service providers—family therapists, social workers, case managers, and other mental health professionals working directly with individuals and families facing diverse challenges. The materials are skill-building tools not only for families, but also for workers who will incorporate these solution-building activities into their repertoire of interventions in their work with families. This user-friendly resource is a valuable tool for the novice as well as seasoned worker.
Q: Can I duplicate the module?
A: No. Families Facing Solutions modules are copyrighted and protected by copyright laws. Each curriculum is priced to be affordable for each worker.
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Q: Can I duplicate the handouts?
A: Yes. Once the module is purchased, workers will have access to downloadable handouts and other FFS documents. The materials accompany the each lesson and are for direct use with the client population.
Q: What is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy?
A: SFBT, developed by Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer, is a systemic model of brief family therapy that focuses on client strengths and resources to collaborate in positive change. Families are seen as the experts of their lives and able to create solutions to their lives’ challenges. Families Facing Solutions is a system of family education based on the principles of SFBT. (link to SFBT)
Q: Do I have to attend a Solution-Focused Training for the module before using it with families?
A: Each module stands on its own and can be used independent of training. The modules provide solution-building tools specifically focused to meet the needs of families facing specific parenting challenges. The FFS Substance Abuse Module, for example, is for families with a parent addicted to drugs and/or alcohol.
Solution-focused trainings by FFS introduce participants to this strength-based model of intervention and teach them solution-building tools that they will be able to use directly with their clients. These trainings are designed to support the materials featured in each FFS module and refine the worker’s capability for utilizing this material.
Q: Why FFS?
A: FFS materials have been used to serve families since 1993. Arlene has been developing family-focused materials for a wide array of family populations as a trainer and educator. As a family therapist and family life educator, Arlene engages client-families as the experts in their own lives and as collaborators in the development of each module.
For example, the FFS Mental Health Module was developed in 1995 with consumers of services in Upstate New York. This curriculum was utilized by the Invisible Children’s Project to address the needs of their clients. (Link to Invisible Children’s Project).
More Questions? Ask Arlene at:
arlene@familiesfacingsolutions.org
