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Referral & Linkage to Resources

Families need assistance in identifying and accessing resources to meet basic needs and in securing community-based family support services. Child welfare and family resource and support organizations can work together to improve outcomes for families by referring child welfare clients to family resource programs and providing linkages between programs that serve the same clients. Program developers must think strategically about how an existing array of services might be augmented to form a continuum of supports and services for families.

Bridging the Gap Between Child Welfare and Communities: Lessons Learned From the Family Preservation and Family Support (FP/FS) Services Implementation Study. Issue Paper No. 2 (MS Word - 88 KB)
James Bell Associates (2002)
Focuses on the effect the FP/FS program had on the relationship between traditional child welfare services and the communities served. (PDF - 64 KB)

The Children's Place Dual Track Program: Final Evaluation Report
Alaska Department of Family and Youth Services (2001)
View Abstract
Findings of an evaluation of a program to support families categorized as low-risk during initial screening.

Community Family Support Meetings: Connecting Families, Public Child Welfare, and Community Resources
Kemp, Allen-Eckard, Ackroyd, Becker, & Burke (2005)
In Child Welfare for the Twenty-First Century: A Handbook of Practices, Policies, and Programs
View Abstract
Explores the use of the community family support meeting in child welfare practice to connect families with informal community resources and community-based social service professionals at times of crisis and transition.

Community Services Locator: An Online Directory for Finding Community Services for Children and Families
Maternal and Child Health Library
Helps service providers and families find available national, State, and local resources that can address child and family needs in areas such as education, health, mental health, family support, parenting, child care, and financial support.

Family Reclaim: A Community-Based Collaborative to Strengthen Families With Substance Abuse and Neglect Issues
Chambers (2002)
View Abstract
Lessons learned from a program offering community- and home-based services to families at risk of child abuse and neglect.

The Role of Family Preservation Therapists in Facilitating Use of Aftercare Services
Staudt, Scheuler-Whitaker, & Hinterlong
Child Abuse and Neglect, 25(6), 2001
View Abstract
Examines the process that family preservation therapists use when developing and implementing aftercare plans and how those therapists perceive the availability and accessibility of community services that families need after short-term family preservation services.

Tensions and Possibilities: Forging Better Links Between Family Resource Programs and Child Welfare
MacAulay (2002)
View Abstract
Examines interactions between child welfare and family support organizations in Canada.

	Related Information Gateway Topics Preventing child abuse & neglect: Family resource centers Systemwide: Service array

Updated on February 24, 2010