Program Information

The Huntington Focus on Families Program (FOF) decreases the risk of child abuse and neglect in the family by working with families to identify and strengthen their protective factors. The program is dedicated to supporting families in embracing their strengths, thus allowing them to heal from past trauma, and develop a higher level of family functioning.

Importance of In-Home Services

The primary goal of in-home service is to strengthen and support the family in order to maintain children with their families whenever it can be done safely. Providing such services keeps children near their natural support system of friends, siblings, extended family, school, and community. Through the provision of in-home services, appropriate resources can help parents focus on addressing the issues that led or could lead to abuse or neglect.

The goal of therapy is to reduce the risk of abuse/neglect in families through providing mental health therapy that focuses on strengthening family protective factors such as communication, family functioning/resiliency, emotional support and regulation, substance use recovery, concrete support, nurturing and attachment and knowledge of parenting and childhood development.

Clinicians work with individuals and families to determine what their needs are related to the above factors. At every visit and throughout treatment, safety and risk assessments are made and services are adjusted to meet needs.

The family’s treatment plan reflects a balance of identified needs and strengths. Clinicians collaborate with families to develop an individualized treatment plan, leveraging the unique culture and strengths of each family while tailoring goals that address their needs.

  • Build healthy connections and communication
  • Problem solving and safety planning
  • Develop healthy boundaries
  • Resolve acute & chronic family conflicts
  • Mend strained family relationships
  • Process traumatic life events
  • Psychoeducation to understand and take charge of mental health needs
  • Develop effective & individualized parenting strategies

  • Individual & Family Therapy
  • Marriage & Couples Therapy
  • Parenting Support & Education
  • Safety & Crisis Planning
  • Meetings with collateral services
  • Referrals for specialized services
  • Supportive advocacy
  • Assistance in navigating system of services

  • Families with a child welfare concern who would benefit from a therapeutic intervention
  • Families at risk of a child going to placement

Referrals for services can originate from either the Family Services or Youth Services within Oswego County Department of Social Services

Program Supervisor

Shelley Gryczka, LMSW
sgryczka@hfcsyr.org