Logo

Family Development Matrix

Score Sheet

Matrix Date
Dominant Life Areas A. Income
B. Adult Education
C. Employment
Basic Needs D. Housing
E. Food
F. Child Care
G. Health Care
H. Transportation
I. Utilities
Factors (poitive or negative) J. Support Systems
K. Family Interaction
L. Addictions
Total

Instructions: The Family Development Interview Guide is a tool designed to assist the Family Development Consultant (FDC) to determine the scores that families receive on the Family Development Matrix. Questions in each section below will serve as prompts for relevant information from families so that the Matrix can be scored. Use the answers to determine the family's threshold in each life area and circle the score that most appropriately corresponds to the Family's condition. In many cases the criteria are self-explanatory, but included below the questions in each section is an explanation where necessary. On completion of all life areas, enter the individual scores into this score sheet of the Matrix and add together for a total score. Further interviewing may be needed to get further background information on the family and to comprehensively complete Action Plans.

Income

  1. How many people are in the household?
  2. Determine the total family income.
    1. How much does the family make on a pretax basis each month? (If the family can supply pay stubs use that information) Is it an hourly, salaried, or fixed rate? What types of deductions are taken from the paycheck (child support, garnishments, etc.).
    2. Are there any other income sources for the family? Does the family receive child support? If not, are they eligible? Does the family receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)? If not, are they eligible? Does the family receive SSI/SSD? If not, are they eligible?
    3. Does the family make child support payments for children not in the household? Is there any unsecured debt (such as credit cards, rent-to-own, check cashing, etc.)? If so, how much debt and how much are the monthly payments?

When there is a complete picture of the total family income (add all sources, and subtract any deductions for garnishments, child support, or unsecured debt), compare the total family income to the number in the household. Use the official Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Poverty Level to determine the family's percentage of OMB Poverty Level and circle the score of the range the family's level falls under. OMB releases poverty levels yearly.

Example: A family of four has a monthly Total Family Income $1,700. The OMB Poverty Level for a family of four in 2017 is $2050 (the "poverty level" is considered 100% of Poverty). Divide the Total Family Income by the Poverty Level ($1,700 / $2050). This family's percentage of OMB Poverty Level is 83%, which would place them in the Vulnerable Threshold of the Matrix.

2025 Povery Guideline
Family Size Monthly Income
1 $1,304.71
2 $1,762.50
3 $2,220.83
4 $2,679.17
5 $3,137.50
6 $3,595.83
7 $4,054.17
8 $4,512.50
Each additional Person $458.34
Threshold Criteria Points Notes
Triving +350% of OMB Poverty Level 14
Self-Sufficient 220% - 349% of OMB Poverty Level 11
Stable 150% - 219% of OMB Poverty Level 8
Vulnerable 75% - 149% of OMB Poverty Level 4
Crisis 0%-74% of OMB Poverty Level 0

Adult Education

  1. Does the client have a High School Diploma or GED/HSE?
  2. Has the client ever attended college? Did they receive a degree? If yes, in what did they receive a degree and where did they receive it? What type of degree is it?
  3. Does the client have a technical or professional license or certificate? If so, when and where did they receive it? What is the license or certificate for? How long was the training program?

  • GED/HSE refers to the General Educational Development or High School Equivalency test. A successful score on the GED/HSE test is generally considered an equal to a High School Diploma.
  • In stable, a certification refers to vocational training. These courses are short, usually lasting up to a year, and have a concentrated curriculum or job-training focus.
    • Examples:cosmetology, paralegal, secretarial, medical assistance, etc.
  • In Self-Sufficient, equivalencies to an Associate’s Degree might include certain technical diplomas or apprenticeships received from technical colleges. They typically require longer or more concentrated training than certification do.
    • Examples: accounting, dental hygienist, pharmacy technician, automotive maintenance, etc.
  • In Thriving, equivalencies to a Bachelor are Degree or higher might include certain technical diplomas or apprenticeships that typically require extensive training.
    • Examples: computer programmer/analyst, carpenter, millwright, machinist, etc.

Threshold Criteria Points Notes
Triving Bachelor’s or equivalent 14
Self-Sufficient Associate’s or equivalent 11
Stable HS Diploma/GED/HSE w/ some post-secondary certification 8
Vulnerable HS Diploma or GED/HSE 4
Crisis No HS Diploma or GED/HSE 0

Employment

  1. Is the client currently employed? If yes, where?
  2. Is the employment full-time or part-time? Is it permanent, short-term, seasonal, or temporary?
  3. If the client is currently employed, are they working in a field in which they want to work? Are they working in the field in which they received a degree or certification?

Full-time employment is 36 or more hours per week. Underemployed is a situation in which a worker is employed, but not in the desired capacity, whether in terms of compensation, hours, or level of skill or experience. For example, a person earning minimum wage at a full-time job will usually be considered underemployed despite their skill level, because of the low compensation. Likewise, someone possessing a Master's Degree but working at a fast-food restaurant would also be considered underemployed, because their employment does not match their skill level. A Degreed or Professional field refers to an occupation requiring extensive and special education or experience, and usually is accompanied by higher salaries or wages.

Threshold Criteria Points Notes
Triving Degreed, Professional 14
Self-Sufficient Full-time 11
Stable Full-time, underemployed 8
Vulnerable Part-time 4
Crisis Unemployed 0