What is the Family Assessment Matrix?
The Compass Family Assessment Matrix or “FAM” is a tool that case managers use to track their client’s level of stability on 14 different categories over time. By getting to know and understand those being served through the use of a common assessment tool, we are able to better support them in their journey from crisis…to stability…to thriving. The following training will provide explanations of what each category measures, suggested guiding questions to walk staff through the scoring of each category, and definitions to help ensure correct and consistent scoring across various programs.
Why do we have the Family Assessment Matrix?
The Family Assessment Matrix was born out of a desire to show the impact that Compass Family Services has on the families we serve. We believe that in addition to housing people, we provide a range of other services that remove barriers to housing and employment and increase self-sufficiency and well-being. In fact, these services are the key to families finding and remaining successfully housed after their time with Compass is complete.
We understand the sensitive nature of many of these topics and that the unique human experiences of each of our families is not ultimately quantifiable. The goal of the FAM is not to minimize these varied experiences, but rather to support case managers to understand what types of support the family needs and subsequently allow Compass to continue to improve our ability to offer services that best meet those needs.
Watch the below video for a more thorough introduction to the Family Assessment Matrix:
In the next few articles, we'll walk through example scenarios with hypothetical clients. In each we'll learn more about the categories and listen to the family's story while practicing with the FAM.