CAN comes to life

A number of local service providers that have signed up to join Madison County's Community Access Network (CAN) began training this week. After the first basic data base entry portion of the session, we spent some time on the "why" of this endeavor.

The ultimate goal of a shared data base is to provide a tool to work with people on a long-term basis. The tool that is being implemented within CAN is called the Family Development Matrix and was developed by psychologists specifically to help case managers be somewhat objective in a subjective field. It employs an asset-based approach: nobody is hopeless; everybody has strengths; success can be achieved by building on and developing strengths; relationships are essential to development.

While CAN will address emergency and short term needs, it also allows service providers to begin to develop long term relationships with people. There are four "qualifying" questions for individuals to consider:

1. Are your needs long-term?
2. Do you have more than one need?
3. Are you willing to share your information in a secure computer system used by a number of agencies?
4. Are you tired of having the same problems and want help?

If the client meets these pre-qualifications, the process begins with a self assessment of 12 life areas: income, education, employment, housing, food, child care, health care, transportation, utilities, support systems, family interaction and addictions. This multiple choice questionnaire helps case workers determine whether a client or family is in crisis, vulnerable, stable, self sufficient or thriving.

No one factor determines a household's condition and the goal of the matrix is NOT to get everyone to thriving, or even to self sufficient status. For people who live in constant crisis, a stable status is a victory. That stability could be achieved by a higher household income, or it could be achieved by focusing on obtaining subsidized housing or a sustained period of abstinence from substance abuse.

From my vantage point, the matrix will help all of us in social services better understand the multiple issues faced by the thousands of persons seeking our help. Today, we know that people have trouble paying utility bills, or obtaining child care, or finding a job. But most of the time, none of us can really look past the immediate crisis - the disconnect notice or job loss or empty pantry.

Of course, there are two key ingredients that the network does not give service providers: more time and more money. We hope that by sharing information, we will ultimately spend less time on client intake interviews and may more quickly coordinate services among various providers. I hope that the information in the system will also help us develop resources to address specific needs for specific populations. We'll have numbers, but we'll also know the people.

This system is currently in operation in Delaware, Allen and St. Joseph counties. One community has developed a joint authorization so that one partner can approve financial assistance from another, saving the client from visiting multiple agencies. Another community has developed a shared client emergency fund that can be accessed by any of the partners.

Already, our partners are learning more about each other's services and sharing information that will begin to build bridges throughout the county. By the end of March, our system should be up and running with at least 10 partner organizations, and people can easily be referred by calling 2-1-1 (Madison County's 24-hour information and referral service.)

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