From: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh, Inc.
Need: An estimated 900 children experienced homelessness in Wake County in 2008. Research demonstrates that homeless children are less likely to have obtained preventive health care services, more likely to be exposed to substance abuse, more likely to develop acute or chronic illnesses, and more likely to use emergency rooms.
Purpose: The Support Circle program proposes to improve behavioral, educational, and health outcomes and access to health care for children experiencing homelessness.
Target Population: In each 12-month period, a total of 30 families will be matched with a Support Circle. Over the course of the grant, it is expected that 150 children and 120 adults will benefit from the program.
How:
- Provide children and families with a permanent home.
- Use the skills and resources of the Support Circle in partnership with parent/s to connect children with a medical home for health, mental health, and dental care.
- Increase the developmental assets of children by providing families and children a team of 6 to 10 caring people who form a Support Circle to support the family for 12 months upon their departure from a homeless shelter.
Outcomes:
- 100% of children will engage in relationships with caring adults outside of the family.
- 100% of children and their families will secure permanent housing.
- 75% of families will maintain their permanent housing for at least two years after leaving the shelter.
- 100% of qualifying children will be enrolled in Medicaid or Health Choice.
- 95% of children will secure a medical home and receive at least one well-child visit while in the program.
- 95% of children will obtain a dental home and receive dental care at least once while in the program.
- 95% of children who are in need of mental health care will receive counseling services.
Cost / Term: $172,685 over three years. $56,074 in Year 1.
Start - End Date: April 2009 - March 2012