Abstract
Background: Italian family health legislation has evolved progressively, shifting in recent decades toward models prioritizing family relationships as integral to overall well-being. This paradigm shift led to the creation of Family Centers within traditionally clinical-oriented Family Counseling services to enhance accessibility and provide comprehensive support for families across all life stages. Conceived initially as community-oriented spaces, Family Centers are managed collaboratively with networks of family volunteer organizations, allowing them to identify community needs and offer flexible, holistic support. This study explores the implementation and impact of Family Centers (FCs) in Lombardy, Italy, addressing the need for integrated social and healthcare models that provide coordinated, family-centered support.
Approach: In collaboration with ASST Spedali of Brescia and the Design Department of the Politecnico di Milano, this study sought to clarify the FC’s role, identity, and relationship with Family Counseling Services; identify barriers and facilitators in integrating third-sector organizations and volunteers into service delivery; and explore strategies for fostering effective inter-professional collaboration. A multi-phase methodology was employed, including a review of regulatory frameworks, an analysis of international case studies, and a literature review on family-oriented care models. Twelve semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including FC volunteers, managers, and related professionals, were conducted to capture insights on operational challenges and opportunities. Findings were further validated through three workshops, fostering “collective reflexivity” among participants to guide the FC’s future development.
Results: The study identified critical barriers—such as unclear territorial positioning, limited resources, and resistance to new approaches—as well as facilitators, including complementary and innovative strategies for addressing diverse family needs. The two-year pilot (2020–2022) demonstrated that, with a clear regulatory framework and active family involvement, FCs can serve as a cornerstone of integrated care, enhancing service continuity and co-delivery effectiveness.
Implications: This research offers valuable insights for refining and scaling co-production models, positioning FCs as pivotal to Italy's future social and healthcare policies. By promoting a “think-family” and community-based welfare approach, FCs have the potential to sustainably address complex family dynamics, advancing the discourse on integrated care within evolving health and social service systems.