The Facilitator ensures that the Ten Principles and the activities of the process are delivered with the highest possible fidelity to national best practices, while still allowing for local individualization of the process. It is their primary responsibility to uphold each of the principles, so they are balanced.

The Facilitator…

  • models the principle of being “strengths-based” by always focusing on “what works.”
  • skillfully reframes negative comments into a conversation about needs, while at the same time honoring and valuing the person’s comments.
  • values each youth and family’s individual and unique culture.
  • empowers the youth and family to meet their own needs.
  • allows the team to work on their own without “jumping into” solving problems or suggesting a service.
  • works with the support partners to engage the youth and family in the process and to help them identify and express their primary needs.
  • learn about the family’s strengths that relate to priority needs and build on them throughout the process.

The Facilitator is not just a neutral coordinator of services but someone who brings added value to the table. They teach and support the family to learn and use the skills of the HFW planning process to develop their own plans and access their own resources.

The Facilitator works with the family to build and strengthen their natural support network and develops a partnership relationship with the family that helps to address and work through challenges to make changes in their lives.