Family Support is a service designed to strengthen families and keep children safe. Our trained specialists work alongside parents and caregivers in their homes or community settings to provide coaching, teaching, and encouragement.

The goal is simple: help families build skills, reduce stress, and create a safe, nurturing environment for children. Whether your child is living at home or preparing to return home from foster care, Family Support focuses on improving daily routines, managing resources, and connecting you with helpful community programs.

FAQ for Parents

  • How soon will services start after DHHS referral?

    You will receive an initial contact within 2 hours of authorization and a face-to-face visit within 72 hours.

  • Where do sessions take place?

    Sessions are held in your home whenever possible or in a safe, community-based setting.

  • How often will sessions happen?

    Frequency and duration are based on your DHHS service referral and family needs.

  • Will I have the same worker throughout services?

    Yes, Paradigm strives to maintain consistency by assigning the same worker whenever possible.

  • What if I need to cancel a session?

    We understand plans change. Please contact your Family Support Specialist at least 24 hours prior to the session, if possible, so it can be rescheduled based on the worker’s availability. If this is not possible, then contact your worker as soon as you know you will not be available, so the worker doesn’t travel to your session.

  • What should I do in an emergency?

    Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If it is related to your case, contact your Children & Family Service Specialist or the Nebraska CPS Hotline (800-652-1999). Our workers are not on call for emergencies.

  • How is my privacy protected?

    All services follow state and federal confidentiality laws. Information is shared only with DHHS and authorized parties.

  • Will I have input in the process?

    Yes! Your goals and feedback are included in monthly reports as part of family reflections. We value your collaboration and input into your care.

  • How do I provide feedback about services?

    You can share feedback during sessions, through surveys, or by contacting Paradigm directly.

FAQ for Referring Agencies (CFS Specialists and Supervisors)

  • What is the referral response time?

    Initial contact within 2 hours; face-to-face within 72 hours. If we are unable to schedule the initial meeting within this timeframe, we will contact you for an extension (up to 144 hours with approval).

  • What documentation is provided?

    Monthly reports (sent by the 10th of each month) detailing attendance, progress toward goals, barriers, safety assessments, and recommendations. If you need additional documentation, please contact our office.

  • How are missed sessions handled?

    If the client cancels, it is not the expectation that the session will be made up unless our worker has availability. However, if the worker cancels for any reason, it is the expectation that the session will be made up with the family. No-shows and cancellations are reported to DHHS by the next business day. Service preps are requested for missed sessions when the worker has traveled to the session.

  • Are treatment plans required?

    Yes. Family Support includes a treatment plan based on referral goals and Protective Factors Survey. It is important that the Children & Family Service Specialist communicate with the worker about any treatment goals needing to be addressed at the start of services, and throughout the duration of the case.

  • What safety protocols are in place?

    Immediate reporting of safety concerns to DHHS and CPS hotline. Critical incidents (e.g., assault, serious injury, arrest) reported within 24 hours.

  • Can Family Support and Parenting Time happen at the same time?

    No, we are only allowed to provide and bill for one service at a time.

  • Will your agency transport parents during sessions?

    It is possible to transport parents during a session if it is connected to a treatment goal (e.g., finding employment, securing community resources). However, any time spent in the car is considered travel time and not direct care so this expectation to transport should be minimal.

  • Will your workers attend Family Team Meetings (FTM) or court?

    Yes, they are able to attend an FTM permitting their schedule allows. They are not required to attend court unless specifically subpoenaed.

How does the Paradigm C.A.R.E.S. Model guide this service?

At Paradigm, we believe in Collaboration, Affirmation, Respect, Empathy, and Support. That means we partner with you every step of the way, listening to your goals and building on your family’s strengths. Our specialists don’t just “tell” you what to do—they model positive parenting strategies, encourage resilience, and help you overcome obstacles. We also promote protective factors like strong social connections and emotional well-being, because these are key to long-term success. Together, we work toward creating a safe, stable, and supportive home where your family can thrive.

If you have any other questions or want to begin the referral process, please contact us!