Connecting Families to Services
One of the unique ways that ConnectFamilias is increasing access to services and changing the way services are delivered to families in Little Havana is by implementing the Equipo model (Team Model). Equipo pairs up service providers and Natural Helpers/CHWs, (trained caregivers/parents) to serve as a bridge for families in need of support both formal services as well as informal network of support ( i.e. family neighbors, friends, etc.) . The Equipo model works through the Service Provider Network, an integrated network of service providers and Natural Helpers. The goal is to streamline the way services are provided and accessed through the expansion of the “NO WRONG DOOR” approach of service delivery allowing families to connect to a myriad of services they need without bouncing around from provider to provider and left on their own to figure out where services are and how to accesses them. By building the capacity of partner agencies, trained frontline staff can seamlessly coordinate services and link families to other services they need as well as provide the additional peer support of a Natural Helper. No longer, will a family feel alone and not sure, where to turn for help or lost in the maze of social services. By creating the team approach we are discovering that families are able to address needs quicker than originally anticipated and are more likely to work with the team to address the risky behaviors and situations that surround their children and their families.