COORDINATED INTAKE SYSTEMS FOR FAMILY SUPPORT: How It Benefits Southwest Iowa Families With Young Children

Any family with young children knows that having support can make a world of difference. When it comes to managing doctor appointments, understanding childcare options, accessing early childhood screenings and finding local programs that can help, many parents aren’t quite sure what’s available to them or where to look. That’s why having a single source to help provide the right information can be such a powerful tool.

In Southwest Iowa, Child and Family Resource Network serves as a Coordinated (also known as “Centralized”) Intake System. We offer a “one-stop” support resource for families who are pregnant or raising children under the age of 5. We work to connect families with trusted partners across nine southwest Iowa counties. Our job is to make it easier for parents and caregivers to access the right support at the right time for their needs without having to search or repeat their story over and over.

What Is Coordinated Intake?

A Coordinated Intake System for family services means there is a central contact source that helps families to get connected to various support programs. Instead of calling around or filling out forms for multiple organizations, families share their needs once and are offered support from there. Additionally, family physicians or other service providers may refer families, with the family’s permission. 

To receive support through Child and Family Resource Network, families or referrals simply fill out one online form. Once we receive a form, a Child and Family Resource Network team member reviews the information provided, sometimes talks with the family to learn more in order to identify the right support program, then a trained family support specialist contacts the family to set up a time to meet. Sometimes families are connected with a single support program or several, depending on their unique situation. The decision to receive services from any program is completely up to the family.

“We have several different options,” said Jordan Morse, Child and Family Resource Network early childhood director. “Either our Family Support Specialist can come to a family’s home, where they usually feel more comfortable, or they can meet somewhere in the community that is a neutral location, like a library. Or we have some group-based offerings where families can meet with other parents in a larger space. We’re also able to provide some group programs virtually.”

This centrally coordinated process helps make access to programs easier and less work for families. It also reduces duplication of services and paperwork for community support organizations. The overall goal, however, is to make sure southwest Iowa families get the support they need to thrive.

Why Coordinated Intake

Matters

The first five years of a child’s life are critical for brain development, school readiness, health and overall well-being. During the first five years, parents often have questions about their child’s development, health, behavior and finding support. When we can provide them with answers, they are better set up for success as a family and for the kids to succeed in school.

As a coordinated intake system, Child and Family Resource Network supports families by:

• Helping them access resources. Parents may not know what programs exist or how to qualify. We help to connect them with the right resources and with the right information.

• Reducing barriers to getting help. Having to make multiple phone calls or meet with several people can take too much time that families with young children don’t have. We match families with the services that can help in a seamless, compassionate way.

• Being trustworthy. We are caring, non-judgmental and passionate about focusing on finding the best support services for each family we serve.

• Supporting positive outcomes. Our goal is to help families create a better future by connecting them to the right type of services. We work toward a community where all children are healthy and caregivers are more confident.

The Child and Family Resource Network of Programs

When a pregnant mom or family with children under 5 years old reaches out, we help to identify the right program(s) to support them. Many times, parents are connected to a Family Support Specialist, who meets with the family one-on-one and listens carefully to their questions, concerns and goals. Many of our specialists are also parents and bring both professional and personal experience to each meeting. 

Some programs offer peer group gatherings, where parents can hear from and talk with other parents about common parenting challenges. We also have virtual group options, where families don’t even have to leave their home if they have online access for group calls.

“Being in a program like this is kind of a one-stop-shop to help you find resources you need for anything,” said Cayce Wilkinson, a southwest Iowa mom who enjoys regular visits with a Family Support Specialist. “So, if I needed mental health resources, or if my kids were behind on milestones and they needed help, or if I just need to talk about what’s available in the area, she can help find resources. There’s a little bit of the weight off my own shoulders knowing I have somebody to help me figure that stuff out.”

The types of support we offer through the Network include:

• Child development milestones

• Social-emotional development

• Prenatal and newborn carehttps://childandfamilyresourcenetwork.org/#video

• Single parent or family caregiver support

• Nursing and health services

• Parenting resources and planning for the future

  
  

Because our network includes partnerships with multiple organizations, families are connected with the service type that is right for them, whether that’s in-home support, parenting classes, healthcare referrals or early literacy help.

We Help Create a Strong Start for Southwest Iowa Families

Child and Family Resource Network was organized as a coordinated intake-based organization in 2011 because community leaders recognized that local families needed an easier way to access available support. Today, we continue to serve as a non-judgmental connector for families needing a trusted source for help. When they receive support, families and children are healthier, more confident and prepared for a positive future. We believe that when our families thrive, our communities also thrive.

Are you a family that could benefit from some compassionate support? Watch this 90-second video about real families who have been helped, then complete this form. We’d love to introduce you to your village of support!