A COLLABORATION of community-based services and supports for children and youth and their families, with or at risk for mental health challenges.
A Process * that Builds meaningful partnerships with FAMILIES and YOUTH in which we serve.
A Practice * that addresses the CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC NEEDS, of the individual to help them function better at home, in school, in the community, and throughout life.
What is the Purpose of a System of Care?
To decrease barriers to service delivery for families trying to access mental health treatment
To increase the availability of evidenced-based practices to promote positive youth and family outcomes.
To increase cultural and linguistic competency in service delivery and reduce disparities in access, service use, and outcomes.
To Identify and fill gaps in service and additional behavioral health needs for all youth.
To increase provider and agency accountability to the youth and families served.
To increase the number of and access for local family and peer support groups and programs within communities.
To develop a comprehensive evaluation plan to monitor outcomes and SOC progress in order to create a feedback loop for system and performance improvement.
To create an integrated approach to mental illness and substance abuse treatment, prevention, early identification and intervention services and programs.
Why is a System of Care Needed?
A System of Care improves family access to needed services & community assets.
There is a concern about the unmet needs of children with serious emotional disturbances
Between 13% & 20% of children experience a serious emotional disturbance in a year
Research shows when a child or youth has a Mental Disorder, their caregivers are impacted.
System of Care clients shows improved school attendance and academic performance
Caregivers show positive outcomes including reduced stress
Promotes services that are family driven, youth-guided, and culturally responsive to the needs of children, youth and families.
Children and Youth have fewer suicidal thoughts and make fewer suicidal attempts