Integrated Family Care
Keeping Families Together During Crisis
Integrated Family Care (IFC), created by Apex Family Services in 2015, helps prevent unnecessary family separation by connecting parents and children with trained mentor families, practical support, and community resources during times of crisis.
Families sometimes experience seasons when life becomes overwhelming. Housing instability, financial hardship, or a lack of support can quickly place children and parents at risk of separation.
Too often, children enter foster care not because of abuse or neglect, but because families lack stable housing or the support they need during a crisis.
Apex created Integrated Family Care in 2015 to offer another path—one that prioritizes support, stability, and keeping families together.
Why Integrated Family Care Exists
Apex Family Services created Integrated Family Care in 2015 after recognizing that many children were unnecessarily entering or remaining in foster care due to poverty, homelessness, or a lack of support.
Drawing on our experience in foster care, we built an innovative model centered on prevention. We began connecting families in crisis with trained mentor families, including former foster parents and other caring adults who wanted to serve families in a meaningful way.
Through trusted community relationships, Apex brought this original program to life. Judges and attorneys have recognized its value, and IFC has even been court-ordered in cases where families benefit from added support and stability.
An Innovative Program Created by Apex
How the Program Works
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A family experiencing housing instability, financial hardship, or other challenges is referred to the program.
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The family is matched with a trained mentor family who provides temporary support and stability.
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Parents work alongside staff and community partners to develop a plan focused on stability and long-term independence.
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Families receive practical assistance and support while working toward housing, employment, and stability.
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As stability increases, families transition toward independent living while remaining connected to community supports.
What Families Receive
The Integrated Family Care program focuses on strengthening families, building stability, and creating lasting community support.
Families may receive services such as:
• Temporary support and housing with trained mentor families
• Parent coaching and skill-building
• Personalized case planning and connection to community resources
• Assistance navigating employment, transportation, and appointments
• Support in securing stable housing and long-term independence
Each family's journey is unique, and services are tailored to meet their specific needs.
A Community of Support
Integrated Family Care is made possible through the commitment of mentor families, community partners, and dedicated staff who believe in the strength and resilience of families.
Mentor families open their homes and offer encouragement, stability, and connection during a time when families need it most. Community partners help ensure families have access to resources that support long-term success.
Together, these supports create a network of care that allows families to rebuild stability while remaining together.
If your family is going through a difficult season, you are not alone. The Integrated Family Care program is here to help families navigate challenges while staying connected and supported. By reaching out, you can learn more about the resources, mentorship, and practical assistance available through IFC. Our team will listen, help you explore options, and work with you to determine what support may be most helpful for your family’s situation.
Community professionals and partners often encounter families who are working hard but could benefit from additional support. If you know a family experiencing housing instability, limited support networks, or other challenges that may place them at risk of separation, you can submit a referral through our IFC program. Our team will review the information, connect with the family, and explore how we can work alongside them to build stability and strengthen their support system.
Mentor families play a meaningful role in helping other families move through difficult seasons. By offering encouragement, practical support, and temporary stability, mentor families become part of a compassionate community that walks alongside parents as they work toward their goals. If you feel called to support another family in this way, we invite you to learn more about the mentor family role, training process, and how you can make a lasting impact in your community.
Strong communities are built through collaboration. The IFC program works alongside local organizations, service providers, faith communities, and other partners who share a commitment to strengthening families. Whether you want to refer families, provide resources, offer volunteer support, or explore a broader partnership, we welcome the opportunity to connect and work together to expand support for families in our community.