Issues Raised in this Story
# Methods of providing meaningful and timely follow-along with families to monitor the IFSP.
# Family members' desired ways of working with their service coordinator can change over time.
# Depending on the service coordination model used by the program and the case load size of the service coordinator, the service coordinator may have less frequent contact with the family, and it may be by telephone.
# Other providers who have regular contact with families may be in the position to support the family in activities that may typically be done by the service coordinator. How do roles and boundaries get sorted out?
Discussion Questions
$ Do you think James understands Maria's role as the family=s service coordinator?
$ How might the conversation have been different if Maria offered information for James' feedback?
$ What might she have talked about, e.g., an educational event, a family gathering, a new resource, a community activity?
$ Who is carrying the burden of the conversation in this scenario, and what could you do to shift it?
$ Think about the issue of intimacy when a family is asked a question like, "Is there anything else you would like to tell me about James Jr.?" What might Maria say to help this conversation feel two-way?
$ What can Maria and Lindsay do to increase their communication?
$ Who has James informally identified as the service coordinator, and what options are there to respect this choice?
# The activities of follow-along draw upon many of the resource management and communication skills essential in all phases of the IFSP process. During this phase it is important for service coordinators to have methods to: 1) monitor, evaluate, and document the IFSP process and its associated timelines; 2) collect, update, and distribute information on services, resources, and supports; 3) link, connect, and communicate with families, other team members, and agency personnel; and 4) share with families the skills and knowledge involved in coordinating services for their child and family.
# During follow-along, the relationship between the family and service coordinator evolves. Initially, boundaries and roles in a relationship need to be discussed and, over time, may need to be revisited and renegotiated.
# Ask yourself: 1) whether this change in relationship is a common experience; 2) what strategies do you use or would like to use to help resolve or clarify roles and boundaries; 3) how do you communicate with key players when your role changes; and 4) how to build on each team member=s strengths and not get too overwhelmed.