| Author(s) | National Technical Assistance and Evaluation Center for Systems of Care |
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| Year Published | 2009 |
Elements of a Community-based Approach
Child welfare driven systems of care that reflect a community-based approach exhibit three common features:
- Child placement and the child and family case plan describe where and how services and supports to a youth and family are delivered.
- Family partners have a significant role as community guides for identifying appropriate untapped resources and engaging others in ongoing support of a family. They can provide valuable assistance in engaging extended family, friends, school personnel, church family, recreational resources, and other relevant supports that exist or are created.
- Integration of community members on policy councils and boards captures their input and support in developing and sustaining systems of care.
Research in the field and the experiences of grant communities currently in the fifth year of a 5-year demonstration grant provide useful information about these elements of a community-based approach and the challenges and strategies associated with building and sustaining community-based approaches in child welfare driven systems of care.
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