McConnell AFB selected to host Family Check-Up program

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Trevor Rhynes
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Team McConnell was selected as one of nine bases to pilot the Family Check-Up and Everyday Parenting Programs for the Air Force.

The Air Force is partnering with Arizona State University to bring these programs here in order to assist Airmen evaluate solutions to parenting challenges, as well as offer Airmen and their spouses an opportunity to learn new parenting techniques.

"It is unique because it is the family coming to us and telling us what they have identified as challenges they would like to address. Families have the opportunity to work through parenting issues they are currently facing. Resources, customized parenting instruction, information and referral will be provided that  specifically target their individual concerns," said Alisa Norlin, 22nd Medical Group Family Advocacy Program Outreach Manager. "The idea behind these programs is that they are  free, in home, brief, solution- focused  and are  strength-based prevention services."

A family member can approach the Family Advocacy Program and ask for an appointment. Participation in the  Family Check-Up Program consists of three sessions.

"The three appointments that make up the Family Check-Up Program includes the initial interview, an assessment and the feedback session (final appointment) where parents are  given information and intervention strategies related to the concerns they identified in the initial interview and assessment session," Norlin said. "It is also important to note that no documentation or records are kept through this program."

The programs are for families with children aged 3 to 17 and promote positive outcomes by improving parenting and family management practices, according to the ASU Reach Institute website.

"Families reported that the comprehensive assessment coupled with the easily explained skills and principles provide a foundation that supports a significantly improved child-parent relationship," said Kevin McGrath, Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. "I would highly recommend the Family Check-Up to anyone working with children and families."

Once parents have completed the Family Check-Up Program they can opt to participate in the Everyday Parenting curriculum which is a companion program to the Family Check-Up Program, picking up where the other left off. Through Everyday Parenting, parents will receive customized parenting education similar to what they might learn if they were to take a parenting class. The difference though is that the Everyday Parenting curriculum course material is specifically geared to address their individual situation. Like the Family Check-Up Program, the Everyday Parenting sessions are free, in-home, brief, solution-focused, strength-based parenting techniques.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for our base and our families. We are very excited to have been selected to participate in this opportunity," Norlin said.
"The pilot program is scheduled to last eight months. At that point, the Air Force will decide whether or not to keep the program."

The program goes live on July 13. For those who are interested in additional information they can contact Alisa Norlin, Outreach Manager, Family Advocacy Program, 759-5537 or at 759-5768.