Family Involvement
Family members and guardians of children and adults served by Bancroft are encouraged to participate in organizational activities as much as possible. A range of opportunities exists for people with different levels of interest and time availability.
“As members of the Board of Trustees, family members help determine the organization's priorities, policies, budget and future direction,” says Kathy Ross, vice president of corporate and family services. “We also encourage the people we serve and their relatives to participate on program advisory committees and in special projects.”
From the outset, the family is encouraged to participate in the development, follow-through, and support of the Individual Program Plan (e.g. IHP, IEP, IRP, ISP). The family/guardian and, when appropriate the person served, is considered part of the treatment team responsible for seeing that each individual's needs are met.
Visits to home and visits to the program are encouraged, so that the relationship between the individual and his/her family is sustained. Regular telephone contact between the family and the individual, and the family and staff is encouraged, to ensure effective communication about the individual's activities, accomplishments and needs.
