Brain Injury Association of Iowa
Family Support Network
Instruction Sheet
Linking Support to Families that have experienced a brain injury
Preferred Process: DISCHARGE PLANNERS MAKES THE CALL
- Once contact has been made with the family/individual in need the Discharge
Planner will ascertain the level of support to be offered.
- *Can this family/individual benefit from peer interaction that is offered by the BIA-IA
Family Support Network.
- Request permission from the family/individual to contact a volunteer from the BIA-IA
Family Support Network.
- Using the BIA-IA Family Support Network volunteer CALL list, select a volunteer that
best matches the circumstances the family/individual in need is experiencing.
- *Is a sibling injured, or a husband, etc. Match the family with a volunteer with the
same experience if possible.
- Inform the volunteer you have a family/individual that would like to meet with a peer
and set a time and place for the family/individual to meet with the volunteer.
- *The volunteer is required to meet with the family/individual within a 24-hr time frame
at the time and place designated.
- *The volunteer will provide a packet of information to the family/individual regarding
a very basic understanding of brain injury, a list of BIA-IA Support Groups and a brochure
on the Family Support Network and the BIA-IA.
- If the family/individual refuses the BIA-IA Family Support Network program provide the
packet of information to them for future reference.
Second Option: BIA-IA STAFF MAKE THE CALL
- If you are unable to call a volunteer due to time or other issue and you have a
family/individual interested in support from the BIA-IA Family Support Network feel free
to call (712) 729-3983. Your call will be addressed as quickly as possibly by a
representative of the BIA-IA Family Support Network.
- *Additional information will be needed from you to set the meeting and make the
introductions with the volunteer and the family/individual seeking the support.
WORK IN PROCESS updated 3/28/00