The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is an employee benefit program, which provides assistance for a wide range of personal and interpersonal concerns. It is the workplace based component of the Employee and Family Assistance Program/Assessment and Referral Service (EFAP/ARS) model, which is a unique joint management/employee group approach to employee assistance.

The EFAP is based on the belief that personal concerns, which are addressed early, can be successfully resolved through education, intervention and support. The EFAP enables employees and their families to address issues before personal, family or work life is seriously affected. The EFAP respects personal integrity, responsibility and freedom of choice. All program use is voluntary and confidential. Client services are provided by a community based Assessment and Referral Service (ARS), which is autonomous from the member workplaces.

The EFAP/ARS model is characterized by several key elements, which together create an effective program fostering meaningful change in the workplace, in the community and in people's lives.

• Commitment to early intervention and prevention.
• Emphasis on education and awareness.
• Joint development and administration.
• Assessment and referral service.
• Clear policy and procedures.
• Use of peer resources.
• Broad program scope.

Development & Implementation

• Selecting members of the EFAP committee, which is generally comprised of four to eight members.
• Drafting the policy statement and program responsibilities and access procedures document.
• Presenting draft documents for endorsement/signature of respective parties to the program.
• Become conversant with the basic principles and concepts of EFAP.
• Approving the client assessment and referral service.
• Schedule education and awareness activities.
• Selecting EFAP representatives.

Unauthorized duplication strictly prohibited
Lower Mainland Assessment & Referral Service©