The Family and Natural Supports (FNS) approach begins with the idea that relationships are the basis of a person’s sense of self and well-being, which in turn provides the foundation for a person to thrive. For most young people, there is at least one adult – maybe a parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, sibling, neighbour, teacher, tutor, Elder – who is important and cares about them. Working with an individual’s family and community can be instrumental in changing the individual’s sense of community, support network, and even housing status. While it is sometimes complicated work, family and natural supports can make all the difference in an individual’s journey out of homelessness or prevention of homelessness.

Read about the Family and Natural Supports Framework on the Homeless Hub website.

Check out these resources to learn more about strengthening family and natural supports.

Blogs:

• Caregiver Support Matters: A Closer Look at the FNS Approach and Youth Homelessness. (2024)
• “Strengthening and Widening a Young Person’s Support Network Is Never the Wrong Way to Go” (2024)
• Exploring the Impact of Family and Natural Supports Interventions: Insights from Youth, Families, and Service Providers. (2023)
• Belonging is Greater than Isolation: The Toronto FNS Program. (2020)
• “She Authentically Cares About People”: Supporting Youth and Families in Grande Prairie, Alberta. (2020)

Articles:

• Thinking Differently, Reframing “Family”. (2019)
• Investing in Youth by Investing in Their Families and Natural Supports: Shelter Diversion Using a Family and Natural Supports Approach. (2019)
• Enhancing Family and Natural Supports (EFNS) Demonstration Project. (2017)

---

Do you have a resource to add here to support community learning? Submit a resource.