Training packages for the North Carolina Family Assessment Scale (NCFAS) and the North Carolina Family Assessment Scale for Reunification (NCFAS-R) have been available since 2002. Currently, over 100 agencies in the United States, Canada, and Australia have purchased the training packages.

The National Family Preservation Network (NFPN) has solicited feedback on the training packages over the past four years. The most frequent request is for additional materials that link the tools to goal setting and case planning, and that aid in improving practice. In response, NFPN is offering the NCFAS/R Supplements. These important Supplements will provide helpful information and resources for current users of the NCFAS/R tools.

The NCFAS/R Supplements contain:

• Ten Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the NCFAS or NCFAS-R
• PowerPoint Presentation for Worker Training
• Application of Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS) Principles to Family-Based Services:
  • Engaging families
  • Using the tools to Develop Goals and Case Plan
  • Core Clinical Services
  • Resources

This year NFPN also surveyed agencies that have inquired about the training packages but have not purchased them. Some agencies listed price as a barrier to purchasing the training packages. While the training packages are reasonably priced, the Supplements will be able to provide a great deal of information, at a minimum cost, on how to use the assessment tools.

The low-priced Supplements are also intended to partially address the issue of using the tools with no training. The Supplements will greatly benefit agencies attempting to implement the NCFAS or NCFAS-R without training. However, our experience has been that agencies that try to use the tools without the training packages struggle with conveying to workers the relevance of the tools to practice, lack of information on how to complete the scale items, and resistance from workers. These agencies generally discontinue use of the tools within a few years. The Supplements provide an introduction to the tools and training packages and can assist agencies to avoid many common mistakes in using the tools. It cannot, however, be considered a substitute for the training packages.

The key components of each complete training package are the video with case example illustrating how to complete all items on the scale, and the database that allows electronic entry of scores. Please note that these key components will continue to be available only with the purchase of a training package. As an incentive to purchase a training package, during 2006 NFPN will apply the purchase price of a Supplement to a later purchase of a training package. Beginning April 1, a Supplement is included with the purchase of a NCFAS or NCFAS-R training package.

NFPN believes that the Supplements will contribute to best practice in use of the NCFAS/R assessment tools and can also serve to help agencies develop quality program implementation and skill-building with staff. For more information and to purchase the Supplements, visit our online store.