The Whole Child Connection is a comprehensive web-based service delivery
system that helps Martin County families access the services they need
to enhance their quality of life or often simply make ends meet. With the
help of a Whole Child Advisor or on their own, parents can complete a profile
about their family on this web site. The profile covers the gamut of potential
needs a family might have, many that are vital: heath care, insurance,
housing, child care, school readiness, special needs programs, parenting
Advisors are available by phone, or they can meet in person at various locations throughout Martin County. Advisors are very helpful to many families, especially those with language or other barriers that keep them from easily navigating the website and completing the profile online on their own.
Once a profile is completed, the system identifies all the appropriate providers for the family. The families are then connected with the respective providers quickly and easily, either through the internet or with the help of an advisor.
The Whole Child Connection system went live in May 2006 and has provided access to more than 300 social service programs. Currently, the Whole Child Connection has referred more than 1,600 families to the appropriate social service providers in Martin County.
The Whole Child Connection is making a difference because it:
- Enables parents to examine their situation and make decisions about appropriate services to meet the needs of their children
- Electronically and quickly links parents to available services
- Strengthens accountability on the part of providers to be responsive
- Provides the community with immediate information on family needs, local providers and gaps in the system that need to be closed
- Ultimately propels families toward self-sufficiency, children toward
healthy, productive lives and communities toward overall enhanced quality
of life.
