Every family enrolled in Martha O’Bryan’s two-generational services is paired with a dedicated family coach. Recognizing the unique needs of each family, coaches work with families in a collaborative process to develop a service plan that includes child, caregiver, and family-focused goals.
While traditional case management models often view the family unit as something to be fixed, the Family-Centered Coaching model empowers participants to take the lead in goal setting, pursuit, and attainment.
Family-Centered Coaching is a best practice to identify the root causes of trauma and to help families reach their self-defined goals.
Key Components of Family-Centered Coaching:
Coaches start with an understanding that all families have strengths. The family identifies their strengths, and the coach then works with families to utilize these strengths and build others.
Two experts work together to build a family plan — the adults of the family and the family-centered coach. Extensive time for reflection and discussion is built into this process, as we believe caregivers are the experts on their children, their strengths, and their aspirations.
Coaches address the interests of all members in a family, including children, elders, and other family members or people identified by a parent. Coaches know that families change over time, and periodically check in on who is in the family circle.
The work of identifying and achieving a family’s goals is led by the family. The family is the agent in setting goals and direction for their lives and the lives of family members, tapping into their own power and agency.
Family-Centered Coaching is a nationally recognized best practice.
Since 2020, MOBC has led more than 8500 family centered coaching sessions to more than 500 families.
MOBC has trained more than 30 Middle-Tennessee partners and agencies in Family-Centered Coaching.