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Child and Family Care Program
Children from disadvantaged circumstances, like those who attend WEC, often require comprehensive, wraparound services to meet their complex needs. WEC’s Child and Family Care program addresses their health needs through counseling and case management. WEC’s Care Coordinator works with parents to obtain public insurance when there is a need. She also gathers information to determine whether they are accessing the health care, including dental care, they need. She offers assistance with transportation when necessary. She works with parents to be sure they understand their children’s health needs and the resources available to meet those needs. Another component of this program is coordination of services. For instance, the Care Coordinator might network with a child’s doctor, psychiatrist, counselor, school personnel, and parents to monitor the effectiveness of the child’s interventions. She also provides support to the service providers and the family. The circumstances of the children’s lives often create a great need for mental health services, which often goes unmet because of barriers such as stigma and lack of transportation. The presence of the Care Coordinator and Family Service counselors allows mental health needs to be met on site at WEC. Children can participate in individual and group counseling. Even their parents are eligible for counseling through this program. The unique feature of the counseling is community counseling. In this model, counselors observe children and participate with them in the daily activities at WEC. Counselors intervene on the spot as needed. These interventions may be necessary one time only or might lead to referrals for counseling services. Family Service also provides a day treatment program at WEC. These on-site services often prevent the need for more costly interventions. |
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