Program Information Description updated: 12/27/2011
Contact updated: 2016
Program approved for: MSW 1st Year [ X ] MSW 2nd Year [ X ] Title 4 E [ X ]
Agency Name: Family Support Services of the Bay Area
Agency Phone Number: (510) 834-2443
Website: www.fssba-oak.org
Agency/Program Address:
401 Grand Ave., #500, Oakland, CA 94610
Program Name: Kinship Program
Name of Internship Contact Person: Preeti Bhardwaj, MSW
Contact’s email: PBhardwaj@fssba.org
Contact’s Phone Number: (510) 834-2443
County Agency is in:_Alameda_.
Program Description:
The Kinship Program at Family Support Services of the Bay Area started in 2001 to provide support services to all grandparents, relative caregivers and bonded adults who are caring and nurturing non-biological children. These services are provided to all Northern Alameda County residents with the goal of allowing children to remain with their extended families and communities.
Clientele Served:
The program is open to any relative or non-relative caregiver living in North Alameda County. Self-referrals are encouraged, as well as referrals from community-based organizations and Alameda County’s Social Services Agency.
Issues Program Addresses:
The agency leads a collaborative of partners who offer an array of services from which caregivers can choose. Support is provided to the caregivers, as well as for their kin children through our Youth Program. Available services include: Family advocacy, Case management, Supportive counseling and crisis intervention, Linkage with community resources, Legal services, Respite, Support groups, Workshops and trainings.
Intern Assignments:
Manage one to four cases (families) in our Kinship program; identify applicable resources and connect clients to resources; perform case management, navigation and advocacy; co-facilitate and/or assist with weekly grandparent support groups.
Intern Training & Educational Opportunities:
FSSBA sends our staff and interns to trainings, as appropriate to staffs’ needs. We also hold in-house trainings for staff/interns.
Intern Benefits: (Include stipend, conferences, car, food, etc.)
FSSBA has a very welcoming and morale-building culture, including staff celebrations and “fun days”. FSSBA also reimburses staff (50 cents/mile) for any mileage accrued for work purposes.
Other Special Placement Procedures or Requirements (Including Dates of Internship, Special Application Forms and Deadlines):
The intern must be able to work Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00am – 5:00pm, and possibly some evenings, if necessary. Must have valid California driver’s license and pass a background check, fingerprint and TB clearance.