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RTC Study 3 Financing Structures and Strategies to Support Effective Systems of Care: Issue Brief 2: Effective Strategies to Finance Family and Youth Partnerships

Published: November 1 2007

Abstract

Effective Financing Strategies for Systems of Care is a Research and Training Center study that is examining financing strategies used by states, communities, and tribes to support the infrastructure, services, and support s that comprise systems of care. The study has identified seven key areas to assist states and communities to develop comprehensive and strategic financing plans for systems of care. One of these areas is financing to support family and youth partnerships.

This issue brief presents the results of the first wave of study site visits regarding financing strategies to support family and youth partnerships. It is a technical assistance document designed to assist stakeholders to identify strategies and approaches that might be implemented or adapted in their own states, tribes, and communities.

At the policy and system management level, the key strategies that sites use are:

• Contracting with family organizations for participation in policy making and system management, including payment of stipends and supports, such as child care, transportation and meals
• Financing training and leadership development to prepare families and youth for participation in policy making and system management
• At the service delivery level, the key strategies that sites use include:
• Financing supports for families and youth to participate in service planning meetings
• Financing family and youth peer advocates
• Financing to provide families and youth with choices of services and/or providers
• Financing services and supports to family members and caregivers (not just the identified child)
• Financing family organizations to provide direct services
• The issue brief offers examples under each strategy, and summarizes the principal funding sources used, as well as the principal financing strategies. Virtually all the sites finance family-run organizations.

Citation

Pires, S.A., & Wood, G. (2007). Issue brief 2: Effective strategies to finance family and youth partnerships (RTC study 3: Financing structures and strategies to support effective systems of care, FMHI pub. #235-IB2). Tampa, FL: University of South Florida, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute (FMHI), Research and Training Center for Children’s Mental Health.

(FMHI Publication #235–IB2)