Support: A network of family resource centers currently exists, called the "Alabama Network of Family Resource Centers." Membership at present consists of 13 centers. The purpose of the network is to support the development, growth, and continuation of services to the Alabama families through family resource centers by providing technical assistance, training, advocacy, resources, and networking opportunities. Network members have delineated 22 standards relating to service delivery, fiscal management center administration and accountability that were passed into law by the Alabama Legislature in 2000. Each standard is specific and measurable, and ensures that the highest quality of service is available to families seeking assistance from a Network member center. The Task Force believes that all family resource centers in Alabama would benefit from membership in this Network and by compliance with the 22 standards now found at section 31-8-2, Code of Alabama 1975.

 

• At-risk families often have multiple, complex issues and need services of more than one agency and program
   

• Mainly due to federal requirements, state agencies are organized to deal with single problems of a particular nature, thus requiring families to often learn on their own what services are needed by each family member and then travel to multiple locations to access such services.
   

• Families are best helped toward independence and self sufficiency by the simultaneous provision of an array of services through coordination among providers, i.e., a "holistic" approach, rather than a one-problem, most pressing need approach than can occur under the present delivery system.
   

• Pilots will test a delivery system that creates a virtual "one stop" for services needed by at-risk families so that, regardless of which state provider a family member contacts first needs of each family member will be assessed during the initial interview and connections to a broad range of services can be made at that time.

Support: During pilots, an automated common benefits and services screening instrument will be used by state agency staff serving Montgomery and Perry Counties. Six state agencies - the departments of Medicaid, Public Health, Mental health, Human resources, Senior Services, and Rehabilitative Services - will participate in the project. Private funds have been secured to underwrite costs associated with automation of the screening instrument. Upon completion of the instrument, a listing of services, agency address and contact numbers, will be printed and given to the client.