AWD008029 - Family Navigator
Project Description:
The Mailman Center for Child Development and other university programs offer a wide array of clinical, educational, and research services to aid families. Approximately 15,000 children receive clinical services per year through Mailman Center programs.
To extend our family-centered care practices and expand access for families to a broad scope of services, the Family Navigator program was developed to help families make needed connections and assist with questions they may have.
Funded through a gift from the TAFT Foundation, the goals of this program are to empower, support and educate families by implementing a system of care where Family Navigators work with families to help them get services for their children.
Family Navigators are parents of children with disabilities or special health care needs who have navigated through systems of care on behalf of their children. They are empathetic and supportive because they have walked the walk.
What we do
We understand that raising a child/adult with health care needs, special needs or disabilities can be difficult and frustrating due to the complexity of the health care system. This is why the Family Navigator Program guides families and helps them find the resources they need for their children.
Our Family Navigators will listen and learn about the family's strengths and needs, connect them with appropriate resources, and answer any questions they may have.
Our Family Navigators can help families learn more about:
School issues
Intervention and therapies
Health insurance
Recreation and after-school programs
Legal services
Parent support
Housing
Nutrition and wellness
Transition to adulthood
Who we serve
Families of children and adults with special needs, chronic health care needs and disabilities.
What we cost
This program is free for families because of a generous gift from the Taft Foundation.
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Direct and/or Demonstration Services, Performing Research or Evaluation, Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services, Demonstration Services
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Reservation, Rural/Remote, Urban, Territory
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Single-County
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
