This toolkit was developed from resources and materials used with the Family Consultant Project, which is a model for sustaining meaningful involvement of family members as expert consultants. This project was founded on the assumption that the involvement of patients and their families in the design, implementation and evaluation of pediatric healthcare services, programs and policies makes a significant difference. Patients and their families bring fresh perspectives and creative solutions to assure quality of care. This toolkit provides resources and handouts to help you involve families as advisors or consultants in your own organization.


Family Consultant Feedback Tool:
The Family Consultant Feedback form is an easy way to get feedback from families about their experiences. It is based on the key components of a successful consulting experience, as identified by parents and staff who have had positive family consultant experiences. They key components include:

Feeling well prepared

Clear understanding of role expectations

Well-organized meetings

Feeling welcomed and included

Having opinions respected and suggestions incorporated

Sense of accomplishment

Believing their participation made a difference.

The form is brief, easy to fill out, adaptable to various settings and offers an opportunity for ongoing communication.
Feedback Tool


Profile for new consultants
This form helps collect information from parents interested in working as consultants. It includes information about demographics as well parent experiences, interests and availability.
Profile


Interview for new consultants
The interview was designed to help program staff get to know interested parents, learn about their interests and particular expertise.
Family Consultant Interview Template


Tips for Family Consultants
A compilation of tips to help new family consultants step into their role.
Tips for Family Consultants


Tips for Organizations
A checklist of tips on how to involve families in your organization's projects.
www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/mch/documents/Practical_Tips_FAN3.pdf


Reimbursing Family Consultants
Family members offer an invaluable perspective, provide feedback about services received, and identify issues and workable solutions. Compensation encourages wide representation, supports family involvement, honors individual contributions, and validates the important role family's plan.
Guidelines for Compensating Family Consultants
Family Compensation Form


Bibliography
A reference list of resources from a 2001 conference presentation titled: The Family Consultant Project - A Working Model for Sustaining Meaningful Family Involvement.
Bibliography




For more information:
Lyn Kratz
(206) 978-1006
lyn.kratz@seattlechildrens.org