Family Stabilization Services

In 2010, Project First Step (PFS) started offering family stabilization services in Erie County.  Designed with the same goals as our family engagement services, there are a few differences:

• Referrals only come from the Office of Children & Youth (OCY).
• Families who don't require OCY services but could benefit from help and are not an abuse/neglect case or do not qualify for longterm or ongoing services are referred.
• We can help step in and change the environment in their families/households before there is additional need for services.
• There is not a court order or a court plan, as there is with family engagement.

To date, 80% of family stabilization service participants have been successful in making the necessary improvements and have not had to be referred to ongoing services through the county.