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Build Systems of Care in Your Community
Once communities have learned about the systems of care approach, its guiding principles, and how systems of care can help improve child welfare outcomes, they are ready to begin the process of building systems of care. To prepare for this process, communities may have begun to engage in the following activities:
- Involved all stakeholders in strategic planning
- Considered how various agencies will work together in serving children and families
- Defined their target population
- Implemented a needs assessment in their community
- Incorporated the ideas of those who will work within or be served by the system
The following sections provide information on applying the systems of care approach and a toolkit of resources for communities interested in building systems of care.
Application of systems of care
Learn how systems of care is currently being applied to populations whose needs require services from multiple agencies.
Illustration of a systems of care approach
Read a vignette about how a systems of care approach focuses on supporting the strengths of each child and family as they receive the services and supports they need to become self-sufficient.
Laws and policies that promote systems of care
Federal laws, State statutes, interagency agreements, and other policies that help community organizations address the multiple needs of children, youth, and families.
Systems of care infrastructure
Examples of management information systems, communications and funding strategies, assessment tools, curricula and training materials, and governance structures that help ensure all children, youth, and families are served within their home communities in a culturally competent, strengths-based, and comprehensive manner.
Systems of care services and supports
Program descriptions for systems of care services such as respite care, crisis outreach, individualized or wraparound care, therapeutic foster care, and others.
Evaluation of systems of care
Evaluations of the systems of care approach and information on how to evaluate program effectiveness.
Systems of Care Toolkits
National Technical Assistance and Evaluation Center for Systems of Care
Provides practical activities, guiding questions, and tips and products from the field for the planning and development of fundamental components that lay the groundwork for implementation. The toolkits address: Strategic planning, governance, system management, coordination of services, communication, policy, finance, continuous quality improvement, and human resources and staff development.
Systems of Care Policy Action Guide
National Technical Assistance and Evaluation Center for Systems of Care Resources (2011)
Provides a framework for thinking about child welfare policy options (e.g., legislation, multiparty agreements) and initiating actions that help promote an effective policy initiative. The guide provides printable assessment and planning documents for users to complete and share with partners and other stakeholders as they advance their policy initiatives.