FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS

Family Resource Centers In Maine



Family Resource Centers (FRCs) are community-based spaces that provide universal, strengths-based support for families. According to the National Family Support Network, FRCs play a vital role in promoting child and family well-being, preventing crises before they occur, and strengthening community resilience.


Core Purpose - FRCs exist to meet families where they are and provide voluntary, prevention-focused services that build on family strengths. Their goal is to enhance protective factors, promote healthy development, and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.


Guiding Frameworks

NFSN emphasizes two main national frameworks:

1. Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening & Support - A national tool used by FRCs to ensure consistency and quality in:
  • Family-centered practice
  • Community partnerships
  • Professional development
  • Organizational management
2. Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors Framework - FRCs support the development of the five Protective Factors:
  • Parental resilience
  • Social connections
  • Knowledge of parenting & child development
  • Concrete support in times of need
  • Social and emotional competence of children

Intended Impact

Strong FRCs help communities:
  • Strengthen families' stability, health, and well-being
  • Improve child development outcomes
  • Reduce child abuse and neglect
  • Build supportive social networks
  • Increase families' leadership and community engagement

Key Characteristics of Family Resource Centers

1. Community-Based, Family-Centered - FRCs are embedded in the communities they serve, making them accessible and responsive. They focus on partnership—families set goals, and the center supports them in achieving those goals.

2. Strengths-Based Approach - The work is guided by the National Family Support Network’s Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening & Support, which emphasize:

  • Respect for family traditions
  • Building on existing strengths
  • Supporting families as leaders and decision makers

3. Prevention-Focused - FRC services are designed to support families before stressors escalate, offering early support rather than waiting for a crisis.

4. Universal Access- Programs and services are open to all families, not limited by income, risk level, or background. The philosophy is: All families benefit from support—there is no wrong door.

Common Services FRCs Provide - Services vary based on community needs, but commonly include:
  • Parenting Education & Support Groups - (e.g., Nurturing Parenting, Circle of Security)
  • Concrete Supports - ( e.g., diapers, cribs, food assistance, resource navigation)
  • Child Development Activities - ( e.g., playgroups, early learning activities)
  • Tailored Family Supports & Assistance Accessing Supports
  • Connections to Community Resources - ( e.g., housing, mental health supports, employment services)
  • Drop-in Spaces - Where families can build community and reduce isolation