the other "r" in CCR&R...
by Audia Bradwell and Gerie Nasche, Contributing Editors, Program
In the course of one day a CCR&R specialist assists dozens of families with different challenges and needs. Often during a CCR&R interview, a specialist learns that a family’s needs go outside the realm of child care, and could be addressed by additional family support or community resources. This is when the specialist provides the other “R” in CCR&R—“Resource.”
How does a specialist know if a client needs services in addition to child care assistance? A specialist identifies these needs with good listening skills, empathy for the consumer, and preparedness to share community resources. A specialist must understand that offering community resources also serves as an important adjunct to providing options to families that either do not qualify for School Readiness services, or have to be placed on a waiting list for child care assistance programs. Listed below are some factors for specialists to consider in referring families to the appropriate community resources in their area.
- Cash assistance/Food related needs— Department of Children and Family Services is a good resource that provides cash assistance for eligible families, assists families with purchasing food, and administers the Relative Care Giver program.
- Housing—Know which local organizations can aid families who express a need for housing assistance.
- Social Services—Identify which organizations offer support groups, bereavement services, local charities, and abuse support services to assist individuals going through a crisis.
- Special Needs Family Resources—Refer to Florida Central Directory at 1-800-654-4440, for parents of children with disabilities or special health care needs.
- Employment Resources—Identify which services will help individuals locate job training and employment opportunities in their community.
- Natural/Other Disasters—Know which federal and local resources are available to help families affected by a natural disaster or other crisis.
- Healthcare—Refer families who are in need of health insurance for their children to Florida KidCare at 1-888-540-5437.
