understanding
family services collaborative
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What are the goals of the Family Services Collaborative?
What is FSC’s organizational structure?
How is the Crow Wing County Family Services Collaborative funded?
What are the goals of the Family Services Collaborative?
Below are our three priority areas and examples of the ways in which we work within each.
Promote the mental health and well-being of children, youth and young adults
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Strengthen children’s mental health continuum, from prevention to crisis or late intervention, in communities
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Increase access for families seeking services or supports, including early identification and intervention, to improve their children’s well-being
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Increase awareness and understanding through outreach and education to children, youth, and families about children’s mental health
Support the healthy growth and social emotional development of children, youth and young adults
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Coordinate and integrate services to identify children and youth at risk of developmental delays or social emotional disorders as early as possible
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Starting in early childhood, prepare and support youth on their pathways to succeed in their homes, schools, and communities
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Support expectant parents and provide outreach to newborns and their families
Strengthen the resilience and protective factors of families, schools and communities
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Increase outreach and education on trauma, ACEs, toxic stress, brain development, and social determinants of well-being
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Coach or support caregiver, youth, and community capacity to respond positively to stressful situation
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Increase whole-family, wraparound, and/or community-based services and supports
What does FSC do exactly?
The Family Services Collaborative of the Lakes Area is one of dozens of state-sanctioned Family Services Collaboratives across Minnesota that is charged with addressing the health, educational, developmental, and family-related needs of children and youth; and to coordinate and integrate resources and services for children and families who face complex problems and are involved with multiple service systems.
We are a network of schools, community organizations and local government agencies that work together to coordinate resources, inform families of community-based services, make appropriate referrals, and assist a family in accessing resources. Youth and their families need coordinated resources that foster a safe and stable environment that promotes physical, emotional, and academic well-being. Examples may be Bridges of Hope, Lutheran Social Services, Northern Pines Mental Health Center, the Salvation Army, and many others.
We provide group and individual skills training directly to children and families; assist in crisis situations; as well as work closely with school staff to connect children and families with resources and strategies that help meet their needs. All of our services are free to youth and families.
What is FSC’s organizational structure?
Our governance board is made up of four Crow Wing County Commissioners, one school board member from each district in which FSC serves, and one board member from Tri-County Community Action Partnership.
Our staff work in these area schools:
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Crosby Secondary School
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Cuyuna Range Elementary Schools
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Pequot Lakes Middle School
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Pequot Lakes High School
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Forestview Middle School
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Garfield Elementary
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Harrison Elementary
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Lowell Elementary
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Nisswa Elementary
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Riverside Elementary
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Baxter Elementary
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Early Childhood Programs in Brainerd, Crosby & Pequot Lakes
How is the Crow Wing County Family Services Collaborative funded?
We are funded by a blend of public and private resources (financial and in-kind). LCTS (Local Collaborative Time Study) funding administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services comprises the majority of our funding.
However, state funding has declined in recent years while the needs of our communities have significantly increased. It is crucial for local individuals, agencies and organizations to support FSC so that we can meet the physical, emotional and mental needs of our area’s youth and families.
What has FSC accomplished?
FSC emphasizes an early identification and intervention approach that contains and addresses challenges before they grow and impact other areas of a child’s life – making our model unique and complementary to other community organizations’ efforts. This holistic approach more comprehensively improves the interconnected challenges that a child or family face.
As a result of this early intervention and support, we have effectively referred and connected thousands of local families with critical local services for nearly 20 years. That impact includes…
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100% of FSC-served students made progress toward goals vs. 75% of students statewide.
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Helping youth at risk for developmental delays or social-emotional disorders partially achieve or achieve their goals at rates far higher than the state average.
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In 2018-2019, less than 8% of at-risk students served were placed in out-of-home placement (OHP). This is far below the state average and down from +30% in 2011-2017.
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In 2019, 13 FSC team members…
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Held +11,000 adult/parent meetings
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Made +800 in-home visits
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In Brainerd in 2018-2019, 61% of K-8 students who needed the more intensive services made some to significant behavioral improvement. A total 85% of students were able to maintain or improve their behavior.
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In Crosby, 50% of K-12 students who needed the more intensive services made some to significant behavioral improvement. A total 72% of students were able to maintain or improve their behavior.
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In Pequot Lakes, 78% of K-12 students who needed the more intensive services made some to significant behavioral improvement. A total 95% of students were able to maintain or improve their behavior.
Who are the core member organizations?
Our partners are…
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Brainerd School District 181
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Crow Wing County Community Services
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Crosby-Ironton Public School District 182
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Crow Wing County Health Services
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Crow Wing County Community Corrections
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Crow Wing County Attorney’s Office
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Children’s Mental Health Local Advisory Council (LAC)
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Parent Groups in the Community
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Pequot Lakes Public School District 186
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Tri-Community Action (TCC)
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Interagency Early Intervention Committee (IEIC)
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Community Transition Interagency Committee (CTIC)
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Sourcewell