What is a primary goal of family development workers?

The primary goal of family development workers is to help families gain access to the services they need. This focus emphasizes empowerment and support, enabling families to improve their well-being and stability through resources that can address various challenges they may face. By facilitating access to necessary services—such as counseling, education, healthcare, and financial assistance—family development workers can assist families in building strengths, enhancing their capacity for self-sufficiency, and fostering overall family development.

This approach contrasts with other options that promote a more top-down or negative perspective on family dynamics. For instance, allowing professionals to dictate family needs undermines the agency of families, while focusing solely on crisis management neglects the broader support that families often require beyond acute situations. Reinforcing deficits within the family is contrary to the empowering philosophy of family development, which aims to build on strengths rather than highlight weaknesses. Overall, the mission of family development workers centers on creating a supportive environment where families can thrive by connecting them to the right resources.