The Family Support Worker Program under Family Residence Independent Living Skills is designed to support traditional foster parents by providing structured, practical assistance that strengthens day-to-day functioning within the foster home. Services are intended to reduce caregiver stress, enhance placement stability, and support positive outcomes for youth in care.

Family Support Workers provide individualized supports such as transportation to medical, educational, and therapeutic appointments; scheduled home visits; assistance with daily routines; respite and childcare supports; and coordination with service providers. Services are delivered in a manner that reinforces appropriate boundaries, accountability, and collaboration between foster parents, youth, and providers.

While the primary focus of the program is to support foster parents, services also reinforce independent living skills for youth by modeling expectations, encouraging responsibility, and supporting engagement in education, employment, and treatment. Family Support Workers collaborate closely with foster parents, Independent Living Skills Counselor, and caseworkers to ensure services remain aligned with service plan goals. All services are referral-based through the Delaware County Department of Social Services.