Innovation in Care Collaboration

In this episode we welcome Janet Hoeke & Laura Wallis, both are thought-leaders, children mental-health advocates, and systems innovators who have fulfilled important roles in the building of Idaho’s Youth Empowerment Service (YES) System of Care.This hour of sharing will focus on the importance of partnering with those with ‘lived experience’ and why systems of care must have parents/caregivers and youth, ‘not just sitting at the table’ rather engaged as equal partners. Janet & Laura will highlight how ‘trust’ is essential in building an effective system of care, where all children/youth, emerging adults and families have access to high quality care in achieving successful outcomes.

In this week's episode we chat with Richard Knecht, an amazing ‘thought-leader’ for systemic excellence with Integrated Human Services Group. His instrumental work includes supporting both public & private sectors of human-services for over three-decades. Richard has fulfilled various roles successfully supporting operations of services as well as outcomes connected with human-services.Richard facilitates monthly open-forum sessions in support of California’s Successful Statewide Systems of Care (SOC) implementation. These hour-long sessions are open to all California systems partners, including child-welfare, juvenile justice/probation, behavioral/mental health, developmental services and other partners.

In this episode listeners will learn how provider agencies throughout Wisconsin have coordinated with WAFCA to keep children in-state while meeting complex treatment needs. States throughout the country are struggling to keep children/youth from having to be treated out-of-state. Emily Coddington-Associate Director of WAFCA- will detail how their Resource Connection Sessions pilot is responding to rising numbers of out-of-state placements, as well managing the destabilizing effects of the pandemic on the workforce.

In this episode we speak to Holly Dinneny, Director of Outreach & Satellite Programs for the Cornerstone Family Programs, Morristown Neighborhood House.  Holly describes their peer support program, Operation Sisterhood, a program for female veterans designed to proactively identify, support, and engage female veterans, connecting them to available resources, community allies, key policy makers and a supportive, empowering community of other women warriors. While based in New Jersey and operated under Cornerstone Family Programs/Morristown Neighborhood House, Operation Sisterhood aspires to facilitate meaningful programs, conversations, and connections to support the unique needs and particular challenges female veterans face. With both in-person and virtual program options, Operation Sisterhood serves female veterans in and beyond the boundaries of the Garden State. In 2022, Operation Sisterhood activities will include regular peer support group sessions, frequent One Hour INTEL expert presentations, equestrian therapy, social outings, and a summer camping trip.

In this episode we have a conversation with Valerie Hicks, MSW, LISW Executive Director, Specialized Alternatives for Families & Youth (SAFY) of Nevada.Our conversation focuses on how Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY) connects with community providers, strengthening relationships, increasing advocacy efforts for all children/youth and families. SAFY ‘shines a light on teens experiencing foster care -- because their dreams, ambitions, talents, and goals matter.’Advocacy is embedded throughout SAFY, at all levels, to embody for everyone the value of all voices. Valerie shares how to create ‘welcoming spaces’ ensuring a culture/climate for staff and those being served. She also outlines three pillars-Humility, Empathy & Curiosity-needed for celebrating diversity and inclusion.