The following examples of management information systems, communications and funding strategies, assessment tools, training materials and curricula, and governance structures can help ensure all children and families are served within their home communities in a culturally competent, strengths-based, and comprehensive manner. Many of these resources were initially created during the early development of systems of care. Although they may focus primarily on the mental health needs of children, they are adaptable and appropriate for use within all systems of care for families seeking support.
- Assessment tools
- Collaboration
- Descriptions of systems of care
- Forms
- Funding strategies
- Guidelines
- Management information systems
- Staffing
- Strategic plans
- Training
Improving Child Welfare Outcomes Through Systems of Care: Building the Infrastructure: A Guide for Communities
Technical Assistance and Evaluation Center for Systems of Care, Children's Bureau (HHS) (2007)
View Abstract and Document
Designed for communities developing and implementing systems of care, this guide outlines definitions, goals, activities, personnel, and expected outcomes for the fundamental components of the infrastructure needed to support systems of care.
Improving Child Welfare Outcomes Through Systems of Care: Systems of Care: Guide for Strategic Planning
Technical Assistance and Evaluation Center for Systems of Care, Children's Bureau (HHS) (2007)
View Abstract and Document
Provides information and materials on procedures any community can use to support the planning and development process for designing a system of care.
Assessment tools
Oregon Statewide Children's Wraparound Initiative: Assassment Tool for Expanding Systems of Care (PDF - 141 KB)
Oregon Statewide Children's Wraparound Initiative, Portland State University (2012)
Assesses the implementation of an array of strategies that may be used by communities to sustain existing systems of care (SOCs) and expand the SOC approach.
Collaboration
Community Partnerships: Improving the Response to Child Maltreatment
Examining the Relationship Between Family-Run Organizations and Non-Family Organization Partners in Systems of Care (PDF - 492 KB)
Lazear & Anderson (2008)
Explores the relationships and strategies of partners in systems of care in developing family voice and implementing family-driven services.
Descriptions of systems of care
From Tragedy to Triumph: A Segue to Community Building for Children and Families
Steves & Blevins
Child Welfare, 84, March/April 2005
View Abstract
Describes the Mental Health Connection, a Tarrant County, TX, coalition to coordinate mental health services for children with severe emotional disturbances and their families through a new systems of care model that involves Federal, private, and nonprofit resources.
Strategies for System of Care Development: Locally Identified Factors for System Implementation (PDF - 180 KB)
Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute (2007)
Identifies and defines factors affecting system implementation and how they contribute to the development of local systems of care for children and families.
Systems of Care Coordination for Children: Lessons Learned Across State Models
Sillow-Carroll & Hagelow (2010)
Identifies common features of successful referral and care coordination programs for children and families and shares lessons learned.
Wraparound Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division
The mission of Wraparound Milwaukee is to provide cost-effective, comprehensive, and individualized care to children with complex needs and their families in Milwaukee County. The website offers forms frequently used by care coordinators, copies of policies and procedures, and other tools for communities.
Forms
Wraparound Plan (PDF - 37 KB)
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (1999)
This comprehensive form for the Wraparound Plan is used to enroll and develop a plan of care for a child and family in the Illinois system of care.
Care Coordination - Frequently Used Forms - Wraparound Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division
Provides access to a number of forms used by Wraparound Milwaukee Care Coordinators.
Funding strategies
Effective Strategies to Finance a Broad Array of Services and Supports (PDF - 444 KB)
Stroul (2007)
Presents the results from eight site visits to examine financing strategies to support systems of care for children and adolescents with behavioral health disorders and their families.
RTC Study 3: Financing Structures and Strategies to Support Effective Systems of Care–A Self-Assessment and Planning Guide: Developing a Comprehensive Financing Plan (PDF - 1,012 KB)
Research and Training Center for Children's Mental Health (2006)
Assists States, territories, and communities to map current financing sources and plan financing strategies to support expanded services.
Guidelines
Standards of Professional Practice for Serving Children and Families: A Model of Practice (PDF - 1,260 KB)
Tennessee Department of Children's Services (2003)
Offers standards of practice for developing a system of care for children and families that addresses three central themes: constructive organizational culture, structures and mechanisms for seamless service provision, and family-centered casework and case planning.
The System of Care Handbook: Transforming Mental Health Services for Children, Youth, and Families
Stroul & Blau (2008)
In Systems of Care for Children's Mental Health
View Abstract
Focuses on the developmental history of system of care concepts, technologies, and research and provides practical information for implementing systems of care. Examples from the field illustrate the implementation of effective strategies, outline challenges, and offer strategies for overcoming these challenges.
Management information systems
We do not provide direct examples of management information systems for proprietary reasons. The following resources, however, will help communities better design and implement a cross-agency management information system for systems of care.
Staffing
Leadership Qualities in Successful Systems of Care: The Key Role of Leadership in System Implementation (PDF - 185 KB)
Ferreira, Hodges, Israel, & Mazza (2007)
Describes lessons learned about the role of leadership in system of care implementation and provides information on successful leadership strategies.
Strategic plans
NYS Early Childhood Plan: Ensuring a Great Start for Every Child (PDF - 1,280 KB)
New York State Council on Children and Families (2009)
Presents a federally funded plan to build a better early childhood system in New York State. The plan includes 10 objectives that address four major goals: healthy children, strong families, early learning, and supportive communities and coordinated systems.
Shaping Our Future 2006-2010 (PDF - 1,660 KB)
Northwest Territories Health and Social Services (Canada) (2006)
This strategic plan for providing health care and social services in the Northwest Territories includes information on strategic directions for integrated service delivery.
Strategic Planning for Child Welfare Agencies (PDF - 346 KB)
National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement (2004)
Highlights the Federal requirements for the planning processes for the Child and Family Services Plan and the IV-E Review Program Improvement Plans, and draws many examples from these types of plans.
Training
Community Tool Box
University of Kansas, Work Group on Health Promotion and Community Development
Provides thousands of pages of practical skill-building information on more than 250 different topics. Topic sections include step-by-step instruction, examples, check-lists, and related resources.