What Are Selected Family Interventions (SFI)?
Selected Family Interventions (SFI) is a free, in-home, family-centered counseling program designed to support caregivers and children who may have been affected by trauma or challenges within the home. This twelve to sixteen-week program provides comprehensive services that help families build healthier communication, strengthen relationships, and create safer home environments.
Our SFI model recognizes the diverse needs of families in our community and offers structured support that encourages behavior change, emotional regulation, and healing for both caregivers and children.
How Does the SFI Program Support Families?
The SFI program uses a framework of core interventions created for at-risk families who may be experiencing difficulties connected to:
- Substance use
- Mental health
- Anger management
- Parenting
- Self-esteem
- Family communication
- Strengthening family relationships
Through trauma-informed assessments and evidence-based, harm reduction strategies, counselors work directly with families to enhance protective factors, address barriers, and support long-term stability within the home.
What Is the Purpose of Selected Family Interventions?
The purpose of SFI is to help families build healthier, safer, and more resilient home environments while maintaining the child’s placement within the home whenever possible. This includes:
- Encouraging improved emotional regulation
- Strengthening communication between caregivers and children
- Addressing trauma-related challenges
- Supporting positive behavior change
- Promoting consistent, supportive caregiving
SFI counselors help families identify healthy patterns, create practical goals, and develop skills that support long-term wellness.
What Makes SFI a Family-Centered, Trauma-Informed Program?
Our family-centered model focuses on empowering caregivers and children by recognizing strengths, fostering resilience, and guiding families through meaningful change. Each intervention is trauma-informed, grounded in compassion, and tailored to meet the unique needs of every household.
Counselors utilize evidence-based practices to:
- Enhance emotional safety
- Build confidence and stability
- Improve communication
- Increase understanding of caregiver and child needs
- Develop skills that help families navigate challenges together
These approaches are designed to strengthen the family unit and promote a healthier, more supportive home environment.
How Does SFI Work With the Child Welfare System?
DISC Village partners closely with Child Protective Investigators (CPIs) and Dependency Case Managers (DCMs) to help reduce the number of out-of-home placements and lower the rate of re-entry into the child welfare system. Through early intervention and consistent support, the SFI program helps families stabilize and progress safely.
SFI Eligibility Requirements
Families may qualify for SFI if they meet the criteria below:
- Adult caregivers and children aged 8 or older
- Referral made by a Child Protective Investigator (CPI) or Dependency Case Manager (DCM)
- Cases from investigations must be safe but identified as high or very high risk (exceptions may be made for documented caregiver mental health or substance use disorders)
- For dependency cases, families may participate once the reunification process has begun
What to Expect in the SFI Program
What Should I Bring to My Next Appointment?
Please bring information about any prescription medications you are currently taking.
What Happens During the First Appointment?
Your first session will take place in your home or another community location of your choice. During this visit:
- Your counselor will meet with you for a minimum of one hour
- The SFI program will be reviewed, including its benefits, risks, and expectations
- Your rights and responsibilities as a program participant will be explained
- You will complete intake paperwork and surveys to help your counselor better understand your family’s needs
- Your counselor will complete a comprehensive assessment, including questions related to:
- Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
- Family dynamics and living environment
- Social supports
- Physical health
- School or work history
This initial appointment helps your counselor create a personalized plan that supports the well-being and stability of your family.
Ready to Learn More About Selected Family Interventions?
If your family has been referred to the SFI program or you would like more information about our trauma-informed, in-home support services, we are here to help. Our team is committed to providing guidance, stability, and encouragement every step of the way.
Contact DISC Village today to connect with our Family Services team.