EveryChild is recognized for commitment and success working on behalf of children with developmental disabilities and chronic medical conditions. Over 15 years, EveryChild has spearheaded a statewide effort to create family-based alternatives for children who would otherwise grow up in nursing homes, large residential facilities, or other group care settings. Our work has also generated interest in other states.
We offer this collection of best practice techniques, process guides, and “how to” tools.
A Family for Every Child: Family-based Alternatives for Children with Disabilities
(Book & DVD Set)
This comprehensive book focuses on the Support Family model—its underpinning in child development and the systems change needed to implement it. The DVD includes videos of support families and children’s parents describing their experience and a training video for staff who are trying to implement the model. (2005)
Imagine Different…Achieve Different!
EveryChild produced this three-part series in 2013 in collaboration with the PEAL Center in Pennsylvania. The series helps readers imagine and achieve the possibility of a family life for children with developmental disabilities living in facilities in Pennsylvania. They direct readers through a four-stage process: 1) Taking stock of their personal views and knowledge of family-based alternatives, 2) Learning about family-based alternatives, 3) Considering the need for change, and 4) Identifying feasible changes. Written for the Pennsylvania system, the content is applicable and adaptable to other states.
Imagine Different . . . Achieve Different! A Workbook for Families
Imagine Different . . . Achieve Different! A Workbook for Facilitators
Imagine Different . . . Achieve Different! A Workbook for System Representatives
A Guide to Choosing a Support Family: Family-based Alternatives for Children with Disabilities
This guide helps families who are considering having another family (a Support Family) care for their child with a disability. It can also be used by prospective Support Families to better understand the perspective of a family exploring a family-based alternative for their child. [Available from EveryChild by request]
Permanency Planning Technical Assistance Guide
This is a resource for permanency planning for children and youth with developmental disabilities served through the disability service system, excluding the child protective services system. It provides technical assistance in how to configure services and support to enable a child to experience an enduring parental relationship. The guide covers two main areas: 1) Offering a general understanding of permanency as a policy and set of practices, and 2) Specific suggestions for developing a permanency plan in keeping with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s protocols.
Read the Permanency Planning Guide.
