Abstract
In this article we describe the Integrated Family Assessment and Intervention Model (IFAIM), a multi-systemic, collaborative,
strength-based, and family-focused in-home approach developed and implemented in Portugal. IFAIM is designed to assess and
to support multi-challenged poor families, commonly known as multi-problem families, at psychosocial risk, with maltreated
or neglected children. It integrates clinical, educational, social, community and forensic concerns, and practices under a
systemic, narrative, and collaborative umbrella. IFAIM’s theoretical foundations and background, its main characteristics,
stages of implementation, and research directions are described and a case illustration is presented.
strength-based, and family-focused in-home approach developed and implemented in Portugal. IFAIM is designed to assess and
to support multi-challenged poor families, commonly known as multi-problem families, at psychosocial risk, with maltreated
or neglected children. It integrates clinical, educational, social, community and forensic concerns, and practices under a
systemic, narrative, and collaborative umbrella. IFAIM’s theoretical foundations and background, its main characteristics,
stages of implementation, and research directions are described and a case illustration is presented.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-17
- DOI 10.1007/s10591-011-9168-0
- Authors
- Ana Teixeira de Melo, Foundation for Science and Technology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua Camilo Vaz, n.° 45, 3° Dto. Centro, 4430-686 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
- Madalena Alarcão, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, Apartado 6153, 3001-802 Coimbra, Portugal
- Journal Contemporary Family Therapy
- Online ISSN 1573-3335
- Print ISSN 0892-2764