The following are examples of communities nationwide that are using a system of care approach to assist children, youth, and families in receiving the support they need. Also included are projects implementing systems of care within multiple communities.
Collaborative Systems of Care Resource Website
Provides information on Wisconsin's coordinated services team (CST) and the collaborative services provided to children and youth with mental health or complex needs. Additional information is provided for professionals including training and technical assistance, CST handbooks, resources for CST coordinators, and resources for parents and caregivers.
Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services Program for Children and Their Families Program (PDF - 2,212 KB)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services, Division of Service and Systems Improvement, Child, Adolescent, and Family Branch (2010)
Presents program evaluation findings of a federally-funded initiative that supports systems of care for community-based mental health services for children, youth and their families. North Dakota and South Dakota
The Sacred Child Project's service delivery area includes the Spirit Lake Nation; the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe; the Three Affiliated Tribes of Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara; the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa; and the Trenton Indian Service Area in North and South Dakota. The project uses the wraparound process to work with Native American youth ages 1 to 22 who have been diagnosed with serious emotional disturbances. The wraparound process incorporates culturally appropriate interventions and the natural support system of the community to provide intensive case management for enrolled children and their families. A notable feature of this system of care is the inclusion of traditional healing practices.
Contact: Deborah Painte
Phone: 701.255.6374
Email: debp@nativeinstitute.org
Reclaiming Futures Program
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Reclaiming Futures is a new approach to helping teenagers caught in the cycle of drugs, alcohol, and crime. A 5-year, $21 million initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Reclaiming Futures promotes new opportunities and standards of care in juvenile justice by bringing communities together to improve drug and alcohol treatment, expand and coordinate services, and find jobs and volunteer work for young people in trouble with the law.
Vermont
Vermont's system of care serves the entire State, or a population of about 613,000 (147,000 of whom are children under the age of 18). The system of care is enabled by ACT 264, State legislation that required interagency cooperation and served as one of the catalysts to encourage further collaborative efforts at both the State and local levels. Because of this legislation, three State departments are required to work with families to build an interagency system of care and to write and implement coordinated service plans for eligible youth. These requirements have provided incentives for the State to blend funds across departmental lines to maximize State and Federal funding and better support community-based services. More information can be found at the Agency of Human Services Department of Mental Health.
Contact: Charlie Biss
Phone: 802.241.2650
Email: cbiss@vdh.state.vt.us