Family Liaison Officer Courses

HR Professionals and People Services Leaders
HR professionals are often called upon to support employees through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. This course provides the knowledge and confidence to take on family liaison responsibilities with compassionate objectivity, professionalism, and practical expertise.

Professionals with Family Liaison Responsibilities
Whether family liaison duties are part of your role or assigned unexpectedly, this course offers clear guidance and practical tools to help you manage these responsibilities with confidence and effectiveness.

Psychological First Aid and Peer Support Team Members
If you support employee mental health and well-being, this course will strengthen your ability to assist individuals and their families during times of crisis. You'll develop a deeper understanding of best practices for providing compassionate, informed support.

The courses provide the knowledge and practical skills needed to support families during high-pressure and sensitive incidents. Topics include:

• Administrative Functions – Understand the administrative responsibilities of family liaison representatives and coordinators, including planning, briefing, documentation, and operational preparation.

• Interacting with the Family – Learn how to establish contact with the appropriate family members in a timely and sensitive manner.

• The Purpose of Family Liaison – Explore the objectives and principles of family liaison, and understand its vital role in supporting families throughout an incident. 

• Incident Command System - Understand how the Family Liaison Officer fits into the ICS and Command Staff structure.

• Preparing for Initial Contact – Develop the scripting and strategy to conduct the first meeting with families that builds the platform for future conversations.

• Using the Stress Continuum – Balance supporting others while maintaining your own emotional wellbeing through self-care strategies.

• Building Rapport and Trust – Learn techniques for establishing meaningful relationships based on empathy, credibility, and trust during times of crisis.

• Maintaining Accurate Records – Gain practical guidance on keeping detailed, accurate, and contemporaneous records throughout the family liaison process.

• Ending the Assignment – Learn how to bring family liaison to a professional conclusion

• Managing Sensitive Conversations – Develop the communication strategies required to handle challenging discussions with compassionate objectivity.