What Works: FamiLink Connects People to Resources, Information, and Support

Every day in the United States , a baby dies of abuse or neglect at the hands of his or her caregivers. Caseworkers are overwhelmed by the number of child abuse cases that they are unable to help the families who need it most. Many families slip through the cracks, occasionally with dire consequences.

The health and welfare of families and the safety of children are the major concerns that guide all child and family services. The key is being able to examine each individual case and get assistance to the family as early as possible. Agencies need to have the resources and the time to investigate each case so that no child is left in an abusive home or goes hungry due to lack of support.

Local agencies and service providers can provide information and share resources. Funding for interagency cooperation initiatives can come from the budgets of the city or county that will be serviced or from private foundations. Caseworkers should utilize and refer clients to all community resources available. Special care should be made to provide support services to the caseworkers to help them manage stress and avoid burn-out.

FamiLink, started in 1996 in Minnesota , brings together schools, health and human service providers, families, churches, and other community members to deliver more effective services to local families. A network of agencies donates in-kind resources in the form of caseworkers. Approximately 35 active support teams service four local resource centers. Support teams bring the providers and other supporters together to provide consistent and coordinated support to families and individuals. They also help increase community awareness about other agencies, build connections with other providers, and provide opportunities for learning new communication styles.

The main reason that families contact the FamiLink resource center is to obtain information about basic living and financial needs. FamiLink has helped families find daycare, substance abuse programs, and mental health and credit counseling. It has regular meetings of participating groups and agencies and brown bag lunch seminars provide mutual support and coordination. Caseworkers have a better support system, feel less stressed, and have decreased caseloads as a result of FamiLink.

For more information, call 952-884-0444, email famstaff@shfsc.org, or visit www.fami-link.org.