Ohio Revised Code Section 121.37 states, “The purpose of the county council is to streamline and coordinate existing government services for families seeking services for their children.”ORC requires each county to develop a county service coordination mechanism (SCM), which serves as the guiding document for coordination of services in the county.Those involved in developing the Washington County Service Coordination Mechanism (SCM) include the Washington County Family & Children First (FCF) Council (including parents); the Family and Community Enrichment Team (FACET); the Service Coordination Mechanism Workgroup and Council staff.Families residing in Washington County, who meet criteria, are eligible to seek service coordination services through Washington County Family & Children First.When standard services provided by individual agencies are unable to fully meet the needs of a multi-need child and family, the Washington County Family & Children First Service Coordination Mechanism (SCM) may be implemented.
In order to provide for collaborative delivery of strength-based, needs-driven services, the agencies that assist the family join to create a Family Service Coordination Plan Team (Family Team).The Family Team shall also include other community and family members who are important to the family.The following are general guidelines for the operation of Family Teams:
1.Composed of the people who know the child and family best:
2.Composed of family, community and care provider representatives;
3.Embodies the community’s commitment to unconditional care;
4.Features strong parent involvement;
5.Encourages participation of family advocates;
6.Assures commitment to community based care;
7.Responsive to the strengths, needs, family culture, race and ethnic group;
8.Has the ability to “hear” family needs;
9.Fosters a blame free environment; and.
10.Supports Ohio’s Commitments to Child Well-Being:
-Expectant parents and newborns thrive - Infants and toddlers thrive
-Children are ready for school - Children and youth succeed in school
-Youth choose healthy behavior - Youth successfully transition into adulthood
Collaborative Services are those services specified on an Individualized Comprehensive Family Service Coordination Plan (Plan) representing a unified service delivery system for a child and family (attachment A). Collaborative services planning includes the monitoring of each service provider to assure that services are implemented as stated in the plan and that outcomes of the services are recorded and reported to the Council.In all cases, the reporting mechanisms shall ensure the confidentiality of each individual child and family.