The term "family resource center" generally refers to community-based resource hubs where families can access formal and informal supports to promote their health and well-being. These family resource centers are sometimes located in apartment complexes, schools, health centers, libraries, community centers, storefronts, and churches, among other places.
The National Family Support Network (NFSN) is made up of statewide networks of two or more family support and strengthening programs, such as family resource centers. According to the NFSN, family resource centers most commonly offer parenting support, access to resources, child development activities, and parent leadership development services.
Other terms are sometimes used to describe the same type of services provided by a family resource center, such as:
There are a number of family resource centers or family support centers throughout Washington.
The term "family resource center" is defined to mean a unified single point of entry where families, individuals, children, and youth in communities can obtain information, an assessment of needs, referral to, or direct delivery of family services in a manner that is welcoming and strength-based. A "family resource center" is designed to meet the needs, cultures, and interests of the communities the family resource center serves.
Family services may be delivered directly to a family at the family resource center by family resource center staff or by providers who contract with or have provider agreements with the family resource center.
Each family resource center must have one or more family advocates who screen and assess a family's needs and strengths.