Family and Community Engagement
Family and community engagement is a constantly evolving partnership and collaboration between families and the programs and services in the communities where they live. And it's the core charge of each CYSHCN Program.
In this section of the CYSHCN Program Resource Center, you'll find information and tools to help you better understand your role both in engaging families and engaging community partners and providers — and how the two are intertwined.
What do we mean by "engagement"?
By "engagement," we mean relationship-building with both families and professionals throughout the community. Engagement is networking. It's establishing trust and practicing empathy.
As CYSHCN Program professionals, you are simultaneously engaging with families and community partners while also introducing them to each other and facilitating connection between them. You are an active participant who is developing a deep understanding of the unique needs of the individuals and families you serve and how the offerings in your community can help them. On top of all of this, you must be able to recognize when to look elsewhere, since it is sometimes impossible for everyone's needs to be met locally or even regionally.
None of this happens overnight. It starts with a phone call, then a follow up conversation, perhaps a tour of a community partner's facilities. It's about knowing what services are available in your community and getting to know the people providing them. It's about taking time to truly listen to families and children, understanding their unique life experiences. In time, warm referrals to services will become second nature.
What is the purpose of family and community engagement?
Family and community engagement is the cornerstone of this work. It can and should become ingrained, natural — even easy. The purpose of family and community engagement is to be aware of the ever-changing dynamics in your community and adjust what you're doing to ensure children and youth with special health care needs and their families are being supported throughout each life stage, diagnosis, or other curve ball inevitably thrown their way.
You are a bridge connecting families to the services and supports they need at any given time. This requires relationship building. Engagement keeps us informed, current, and aware of what the latest needs are and what support is or is not available.
Family and Community Engagement Plan
The Family and Community Engagement Plan is a vision and planning document for goals specific to your community. It's a tool to help reflect on the work you are already doing and expand on those efforts over the course of a year. The ACT for Youth CYSHCN Program Center of Excellence supports CYSHCN Program staff throughout the year in developing and completing these annual plans. Together, we can review the workplan and support you in implementing best practices for engagement.
Public Health Detailing
Public Health Detailing is the practice of building relationships with community partners and marketing your services that will enhance your engagement skills. ACT for Youth hosts monthly training and informational sessions to support your practice. Recordings of these sessions and on community engagement and other topics are available to view or listen to at your convenience.
