A Family Preservation Project

In 1994, SEI formed a partnership with the Department of Human Services to begin the Family Enhancement Program, which aims to reduce the number of African American children placed in foster care. Currently, in the state of Oregon, African American children make up 35% of children in foster care.

The goal of the Family Enhancement Program (FEP) is to keep families safe and together. SEI’s staff provides families with 24-hour, seven day a week assistance to help ensure that this goal is met for each client.

What the FEP has to offer:

· Family Coordinators: FEP coordinators help clients get back on their feet as parents. They teach classes, provide referrals, and counsel FEP clients. Each client receives 60 days of intensive support from an FEP coordinator, with a six month follow-up when needed.

· Parenting Classes: SEI’s parenting classes focus on a variety of parenting issues, including child development, discipline, supervision, praise and cultural awareness. FEP clients are required to attend these classes which are offered in two modules of ten weeks each. Read a parent’s testimonial from a recent Parenting Class Graduation.

· Parent Support Group and Family Enrichment Classes: FEP clients are required to attend this weekly class and support group. Here clients get the chance to share with other parents about the challenges and successes of being a parent. Topics of discussion often include parent/child relationship building, communication, mental health and community issues.

· Ready to Rent: Periodically SEI offers classes to FEP clients which help them to become educated renters. Clients learn about tenant and landlord responsibilities and how to manage a household.