Our Agency

FamilyCare's Work

All people have skills and competencies that enable them to solve problems and develop opportunities for the enrichment of life. Programs therefore must encourage people to discover new ways of using and extending their skills and resourcefulness.

People grow when they understand and value themselves. A person who makes sense of themselves as a ‘solution finder’ is more productive that a person who makes sense of themselves as a “problem”. People can get energy and answers through valuing the things they do well.

The person is an expert in their own life and has the ability to determine what is best for them.

Family members are the ‘experts’ about their families. While we value the skills and abilities of our workers, and the expertise within the agency, all of these are secondary to the skills and resourcefulness of the families with whom we work. Our role is to complement the competencies that lie within the family. 

• People experience problems as problems and generally want things to be better. People do not “need” problems;
• People do not want to continue to live with the problem but have difficulty in locating solutions;
• Problems do not indicate that something is wrong with the person or families. The problem is the problem;
• People have tried to find solutions to their problems;
• People have within them a wealth of resources both known and unknown to them. People who feel overwhelmed by the problem do not notice their strengths and capabilities.

No situation or person is beyond help or assistance. They may not be ready to move towards change, a position which will always be respected, but change is always possible.

Every problem-dominated pattern includes examples of exceptions which serve as hints towards solutions.

Experiencing problems is a normal life experience. It does not mean that people have failed because they have problems.

We do not deal in blame and do not apportion blame to young people or families. We focus on gaining an understanding of why the problem has occurred and how it can be different, not who is at fault.

The subject of therapy is the way people are making sense of themselves and their interaction. It is peoples’ view of their situation that stands in the way of their finding solutions.

Nothing can be understood outside its context

Vision and Mission

FamilyCare will, in partnership with our communities, be dynamic, responsive and proactive in our Services, to work with families and individuals, enhancing their strengths throughout their lives.