Knowledge Hub

Family-centred service (FCS) is a philosophy, and approach to service provision, that aims to deliver services to children with special needs while focusing on the priorities of the entire family. FCS recognizes that: (i) each family is unique; (ii) the family is a constant presence in the child’s life; and (iii) parents are the experts on the child’s abilities and needs.

Family Centred Services Resource Pack

Knowledge Hub

Family-centred service (FCS) is a philosophy, and approach to service provision, that aims to deliver services to children with special needs while focusing on the priorities of the entire family. FCS recognizes that: (i) each family is unique; (ii) the family is a constant presence in the child’s life; and (iii) parents are the experts on the child’s abilities and needs.

Synopsis of resource

An overview of the concept of Family Centred Services, this resource pack provides a brief overview of FCS, the rationale, and the evidence behind it, as well as the truths about some common myths surrounding FCS. At the end of this resource, you will find an example of an FCS practice, specific ways you can apply its principles and behaviors in your services, and recommended resources for further knowledge translation and research. If you are already practicing FCS, then you can use this pack as an additional resource to promote education and knowledge brokering in your community.

Key learning outcome

  • Basic background of FCS
  • Dispelling some common myths
  • Evidence and outcomes
  • Examples of FCS
Image of Mark Grinberg

Author

Mark Grinberg is a second-year medical student at McMaster University with a previous undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Science, Honors Specializations in Neuroscience from Western University. He has a passion for children’s health that stems from personal experience of having a younger brother with cerebral palsy. He holds several positions including the co-chair of McMaster’s pediatric medicine interest group and volunteer coordinator of International Women and Children’s Health Conference 2021. Mark has also worked on several research projects including quality improvement for pediatric constipation, chart reviews for pediatric infections in neonates, and presenting on the topic of pediatric autoimmune encephalitis in Hamilton. He is looking forward to pursuing the field of pediatrics and improving the healthcare of patients both via research and educational initiatives.