Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP)
Bright Beginnings uses Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP's) with families of infants and toddlers who have special needs. They emphasize teamwork among agencies and professionals, and require the families involvement and participation in their own service. IFSP's are written by the family with a Service Coordinator chosen by the family. The Service Coordinator may be any worker involved with the family. A form has been designed to record the family's strengths, needs, goals, and how their goals will be met. The plan is monitored and reviewed periodically. IFSP's are a useful and exciting new way for families and service providers to work together to achieve their goals as they strive for a better world for children. Confidentiality is carefully guarded throughout this process. Parents must give permission for any information to be shared between agencies and, of course, have the right to ask that any information not be shared if they wish. Service Coordinator meetings may be held to discuss those families who have given permission for such information to be shared. This allows them the opportunity to make sure services are not being duplicated, and to envision creative solutions to various problems faced by families. They also have the opportunity to provide each other with support and encouragement.