We work with what people can do rather than focusing on what they cannot.

Families can expect a strength-based and solution-focused approach designed to create positive change, strengthen family relationships, build upon skills for families who endure multiple challenges, assist with securing additional concrete resources, and connect families with beneficial community resources and appropriate service providers. Services are based on family needs and goals, including:

  • Parenting support and skills
  • Assistance with budgeting
  • Connection with community resources
  • Communication and conflict resolution
  • Building positive relationships
  • Advocate for services that family desires
  • Assistance with counseling referrals
  • Assist family with household management
  • Family reunification and preservation

Gateways for Acceptance

The Michigan Department of Human Services and Private Agencies including Tribal, are the gateways for acceptance of families for this service, and families may be referred from Children’s Protective Services and Foster Care. The U.P. Kids FTBS program covers the Eastern Upper Peninsula (Alger, Schoolcraft, Luce, Mackinac, and Chippewa Counties). 

  • Build protective factors and strengthen families
  • Knowledge of parenting and child development
  • Concrete support in times of need
  • Social and emotional competence of children
  • Parental resilience
  • Social connections