Family-Focused Case Management: A Case Study of an Innovative Demonstration Program

Abstract

Using results from a formative evaluation, the paper describes family-focused case management (FFCM). FFCM is an innovative community mental health service designed to support both consumers/survivors and their families. The formative evaluation used a multi-informant, multi-method approach to describe FFCM services and assess their quality. Focus groups with program stakeholders produced a “program-logic model” and identified minimum standards for FFCM. Service activities and outcomes defined in the program-logic model were typical of those offered to consumers/survivors in intensive case management programs, but were supplemented with support being offered to their families. Monitoring of service activities showed that the case manager had regular contact with families and offered them a mix of direct and indirect services that corresponded, in most cases, to defined program standards. Interviews with 14 family members and 8 consumers/survivors receiving FFCM services revealed high levels of satisfaction with most aspects of the program. Overall, evaluation findings suggest that intensive case management can be expanded to include providing support to families. Future directions for developing FFCM are discussed.

Introduction of an intensive case management style of delivery for a new mental health service

“…The impact of ICM on families has been reviewed in a number of studies with Aubry et al . (2000) highlighting several significant findings when reporting on the Family‐Focused Case Management (FFCM) programme.…”

“…(1992) as a case management programme that melded ICM with family psychoeducational interventions with the same purpose as PACT; to help people experiencing severe mental illness live successfully in the community. Both strategies have been successful in achieving their stated aims (Aubry et al . 2000; Goldstein & Miklowitz 1995; Olfson 1990) with even better outcomes for the FACT programme in terms of vocational and relapse improvements (Aubry et al .…”

“…Both strategies have been successful in achieving their stated aims (Aubry et al . 2000; Goldstein & Miklowitz 1995; Olfson 1990) with even better outcomes for the FACT programme in terms of vocational and relapse improvements (Aubry et al . 2000; McFarlane et al .…”

“…1992). More recently, the FFCM research demonstrated that families benefited from the programme by experiencing additional support and satisfaction with the case management of their family member (Aubry et al . 2000).…”

Evaluating children's rehabilitation services: an application of a programme logic model

“…Users have found it to be clear and helpful in guiding their programme evaluation activities. Recent published examples of the application of the programme logic model are in fields of community rehabilitation (Letts & Dunal 1995), vocational rehabilitation (Lal & Mercier 2002), and case management (Aubry et al . 2000).…”