Author: manda.hufstedler@duke.edu

NC InCK Launches New Facebook Page for Families, Partners, Health Care Providers, and More

Posted on by manda.hufstedler@duke.edu

We are thrilled to announce the official launch of the North Carolina Care for Kids (NC InCK) Facebook page! Whether you’re a caregiver, a health care provider, or a community member, our page is a one-stop hub for staying connected with all things related to NC InCK!

With this page, we aim to foster a strong sense of community by keeping you informed about our latest events, model updates, and important policy changes that impact our work. We also hope to share information about events and supports offered by our partners in the five counties. We believe that by staying connected, we can create a more informed and engaged community working together to provide the best possible support for North Carolina children and families.

What to expect:

  • NC InCK Updates – Stay tuned for upcoming event announcements as well as model updates
  • Policy Changes – We’ll keep you up-to-date on legislative or healthcare-system changes, such as Medicaid Expansion in North Carolina, that have a direct impact on families in the NC InCK service area
  • Community Events – We’ll also promote and share events in our communities that may benefit NC InCK families and partners

If you have events or updates that you would like to share with the NC InCK community, please reach out to our team via Facebook direct message or by email at info@ncinck.org. We’d be happy to get the word out!

Join us on our journey to supporting and bridging services where children, youth, and families live, learn, and play. Like and follow our page to stay connected and up-to-date: @NC Integrated Care for Kids

Early Childhood Integrated Care Rounds (May 2022)

Posted on by manda.hufstedler@duke.edu

Description

The May 2022 Early Childhood Integrated Care Rounds event shares early childhood resources and valuable family perspectives. The NC InCK team and our guests discussed the importance of well child visits, quality child care, and early literacy efforts.

Click this link for the May 2022 Early Childhood Integrated Care Rounds slide deck.

Key Takeaways

  • Well-child visits are essential, and preventative care through well-child visits leads to numerous long-term, positive health and well-being outcomes. 
  • Family Navigators can help families attend well-child visits with three-way calls to support scheduling, connecting families to resources such as MyChart and Medicaid transportation, and by initiating conversations on the importance of well-child care. 
  • Family Navigators can support the importance of high-quality child care with families and connect families to the Child Care Referral Center for options. 
  • Early language and literacy habits in the home are key indicators of every child's healthy development. Examples of key literacy programs are provided. 

Resources

Food Integrated Care Rounds (June 2022)

Posted on by manda.hufstedler@duke.edu

Description

The June 2022 Food Integrated Care Rounds event shares information on Food & Nutrition Support and other helpful resources. NC InCK and our guests discussed food insecurity and how Family Navigators can help address food insecurity for children and families.

Click this link for the June 2022 Food Integrated Care Rounds slide deck.

Key Takeaways

  • In NC InCK’s five counties, approximately 20% of households with children are food insecure. 
  • Food insecurity impacts all aspects of a child’s health. Children who experience food insecurity at any age are at risk for poor health outcomes that can continue into adulthood.  
  • Family Navigators can address food insecurity by understanding common barriers for accessing food and nutrition support, creating safe spaces to ask about food needs, and connecting families with federal nutrition support programs and insurance provider benefits.

Resources

  • NC InCK Food Resources for Schools and Partners: A two-page guide with information on accessing SNAP, WIC, and school meals 
  • WIC Referral Form: A DHHS referral form for the Women’s Infants and Children program to receive outreach from a child’s local health department on the program 
  • How to apply for SNAP: DHHS site with information on the three ways to apply for SNAP benefits 
  • More in My Basket: A center based at NC State University which can support families in completing their applications for SNAP 
  • Summer Meals: Information on how to access a summer meals site near you (June-August)  

Schools Integrated Care Rounds (April 2022)

Posted on by manda.hufstedler@duke.edu

Description

The April 2022 Schools Integrated Care Rounds event shares student and family perspectives and outlines why schools are an integral part of a child's care team and community. The NC InCK team and our guests discussed how children can thrive in schools and what we can all do to support children.

Click this link for the April 2022 Schools Integrated Care Rounds slide deck.

Key Takeaways

  • Many supports exist for students in schools. Services all students are eligible for include teacher intervention and muti-tiered system of support. Services students must qualify for include 504 Plans and Individualized Education Plans. 
  • Family Navigators can help students and families connect to school-based resources through communication with key personnel and participation in meetings already taking place within the school (e.g., IEP/504 Meetings, parent/teacher conferences). 
  • Family Navigators should center the student and family in conversations with schools, with families initiating communication and Family Navigators playing the role of “strengths-bringer” to any school space. 

Resources

Behavioral Health Integrated Care Rounds (July 2022)

Posted on by manda.hufstedler@duke.edu

Description

The July 2022 Behavioral Health Integrated Care Rounds event discusses behavioral health needs, resources, and crises. The NC InCK team and our guests got the chance to listen to family perspectives and learn more about Tailored and Standard Plans.

Click this link for the July 2022 Behavioral Health Integrated Care Rounds slide deck.

Key Takeaways

  • If a child is experiencing a behavioral health crisis and there is an immediate danger to themself or others, a Family Navigator should call 911 and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT).  
  • Family Navigators should support families in discussing behavioral health concerns with primary care providers, and Family Navigators can reach out to PCPs directly for recommendations for a child. 
  • Before beginning to help a family find behavioral health supports, Family Navigators should be familiar with a child's engagement with behavioral health supports, diagnoses, and medications. 
  • After assessing unmet behavioral health needs, Family Navigators can also support the effects of the behavioral needs in other areas of a child’s life (school, eating, sleeping, hygiene, etc.).

Resources

Online search engines to find providers by Prepaid Health Plans or LME-MCO:  

  1. AmeriHealth Caritas 
  2. Carolina Complete Health 
  3. Healthy Blue 
  4. United Healthcare Community Plan  
  5. WellCare 
  6. Alliance Health 
  7. Vaya Health 

Adolescent and Young Adult Health Integrated Care Rounds (September 2022)

Posted on by manda.hufstedler@duke.edu

Description

The September 2022 Adolescent and Young Adult Integrated Care Rounds event discusses adolescent development, adolescence, and the importance of Family Navigators during this period of growth. The NC InCK team also held conversations with a Young Adult Advocate and a Parent Advocate during this event.

Click this link for the September 2022 Adolescent and Young Adult Health Integrated Care Rounds slide deck.

Key Takeaways

  • Family Navigators can work with families to listen to the wants and needs of all youth and actively involve them in care. This is especially true for adolescents and young adults.  
  • NC InCK’s new Adolescent and Young Adult Guide covers key phases of a youth’s development and important services and considerations for care management of young adults.  
  • Guest Speaker: Youth Villages LifeSet program and their resources for young adults ages 17-22 years old. 

Resources

Juvenile Justice Integrated Care Rounds (October 2022)

Posted on by manda.hufstedler@duke.edu

Description

The October 2022 Juvenile Justice Integrated Care Rounds event discusses court services, health services and advocacy for youth with special health care needs, and community programs. The NC InCK team and our guests also discussed different types of juvenile justice services during this event.

Click this link for the October 2022 Juvenile Justice Integrated Care Rounds slide deck.

Key Takeaways

  • There are many phases of Juvenile Justice involvement, and court counselors support families throughout this process.  
  • Many Juvenile Justice-involved youth have intensive behavioral and physical health needs, and Family Navigators can play an important role in connecting children to the care they need during and after their Juvenile Justice involvement.  
  • Juvenile Justice-involved youth may be placed in various living arrangements, including transitional living programs, multipurpose group homes, and crisis assessment centers. 
  • Guest speakers: Juvenile Justice Court Counselor Supervisor, UNC Children’s Hospital, and Methodist Home for Children

Resources

  • NC InCK Juvenile Justice Guide: This guide provides information on the NC Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Program, information on working with youth and young adults involved in the Juvenile Justice system, and resources available in the five NC InCK counties. 

Housing Integrated Care Rounds (January 2023)

Posted on by manda.hufstedler@duke.edu

Description

The NC InCK team and our guests discussed housing instability, ways to combat housing instability, and connecting with housing specialists during the January 2023 Housing Integrated Care Rounds event.

Click this link for the January 2023 Housing Integrated Care Rounds slide deck.

Key Takeaways

  • There are a variety of local and statewide resources and programs for families facing housing instability. Family Navigators can help families target appropriate programs, complete applications, and communicate questions. 
  • Navigating housing instability is challenging and takes a long time. Family Navigators can play an important and helpful role for families who are wading through the complex housing assistance system. 
  • Housing instability often impacts many other areas of a child’s life. Family Navigators should also offer support in food, child care, education, and other financial areas while waiting for housing to open for a family. 

Resources

Enhanced Services ECHO Series (February 2023)

Posted on by manda.hufstedler@duke.edu

Description

The NC InCK team and our guests discussed enhanced services, including Pre-K applications, nutrition services, and value-added services during the February 2023 ECHO Series event.

Click this link for the Enhanced Services ECHO Series Integrated Care Rounds slide deck.

Key Takeaways

  • Applications for Pre-K open in the Spring of each year, and districts have different eligibility and application deadlines. Details and links to Pre-K programs in NC InCK’s six school districts are provided.  
  • COVID-era food benefits are expiring, and Family Navigators can play an important role in connecting families to WIC, school meals, and making sure families are receiving the maximum SNAP benefit.  
  • Each PHP has a robust set of value-added services for families. This training walks through school supply, asthma, doula, and tutoring benefits offered by PHPs with links to each benefit page.

Resources

Child Care Referral Center: Search for child care options in your area or see contact details for the Referral Center for support in finding child care or applying to Pre-K

 

Online web pages to find the value-added benefits by Prepaid Health Plan: 

  1. Amerihealth Benefits 
  2. CCH Benefits 
  3. Healthy Blue Benefits 
  4. United Benefits 
  5. Wellcare Benefits 

NC InCK July 2023 Webinar

Posted on by manda.hufstedler@duke.edu

On July 28, 2023 from 12PM-1PM, the NC InCK team will hold a webinar sharing highlights in understanding the needs, integrating services, and investing in what matters most for children and families. We will also share updates on the model and look forward toward the next year.

If you would like to receive the Zoom link for the webinar, please email info@ncinck.org.