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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.

Systems of care toolkit
Includes information on State statutes and policies that address systems of care and resources about how to build a systems of care infrastructure, enhance services and support, and evaluate its effectiveness.

Selected Resources National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement Supports organizations committed to the welfare of children, youth, and families through training, technical assistance, research, and evaluation. National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development Established to improve the quality of life for all children and youth, especially those with, or at risk for, special needs and their families. The center serves vulnerable children and their families directly and influences local, State, national, and international programs and policy. Research and Training Center for Children's Mental Health Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida Addresses the need for improved services and outcomes for children and youth with serious emotional and behavioral disabilities and their families. Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health Portland State University Dedicated to researching, evaluating, and promoting effective community-based, culturally competent, family-centered services for children and youth with multiple needs and their families.

Updated on November 19, 2008