FaDSS

Family Development and Self Sufficiency (FaDSS)

FaDSS is a program designed as a part of welfare reform. It is available in all 99 counties in Iowa to recipients of Family Investment Program (FIP) dollars (formerly known as Aid to Dependant Children). At Northeast Iowa Commuinity Action Corporation (NEICAC) we serve Allamakee, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek Counties and are funded for 89 ’slots’ or families. It is expected that we will, on a monthly accounting basis, be partnering with at least 95% of 89 families. Each fiscal year we partner with a total of 170 to 180 families. We have identified at least 39 other programs or agencies with whom we interact at some level during the year. We have four highly trained and experienced certified Family Development Specialists who partner with families. We have a strength based philosophy and see ourselves partnering with families using a ’power with’ rather than a ’power over’ mindset. In-home visits held at least once a month are the basis of the FaDSS model. Specialists use several tools to move families into the self-sufficiency position the family wants to achieve. (See core components below)

Case files are kept on all families. During home visits, specialists make every effort to include the whole family if possible and as appropriate. We track wages earned by our families. We also track the amount of FIP award that the state does not have to spend on families as they earn incomes from the employment sector of society. FaDSS is closely monitored by the State of Iowa through a legislatively designated council and Department of Human Rights Program managers. They hold regular on-site reviews on all the FaDSS programs. A local FaDSS Advisory Committee also monitors NEICAC.

FaDSS is a voluntary empowerment program that builds on the recipients' strengths, focusing on preventative services and long term family change.

ELIGIBILITY

Families receiving FIP benefits are eligible to participate in FaDSS. Referrals may come from the potential participant, Promise Jobs, Department of Human Services, and other community partners, or from the FaDSS Specialist. For more details, contact Lisa Mathews, FaDSS Program Director at 563-382-8436 Ext 128. Collect calls will be accepted.

PROGRAM CORE COMPONENTS

Home Visits are the foundation for all FaDSS services. Monthly home visits continue until the family requests them to end or until 90 days after the family is no longer receiving cash assistance from FIP.

Assessment tools are used to identify the family strengths.

Goal Setting is directed by the family with guidance from the Family Development Specialist. The family develops long-term goals and short-term goals that will lead to the achievement of economic and emotional self-sufficiency.

Support by the Family Development Specialist is ongoing, strength-based and solution focused.

Referrals by the Family Development Specialist assists the families in accessing community resources to better meet their needs.

Advocacy is performed at first by the Family Development Specialist and later, as they become empowered, by the family to ensure that systems and services are equitable, inclusive and responsive.

Click here for a FaDSS brochure.

Helpful links
Iowa Department of Human Rights - FaDSS
Living Wage Calculator
Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity
Iowa Department of Human Services