Wasco County Oregon :: Community Support Network

You are invited to access and be a part of a “new” resource in our Community. The Department of Human Services and the Commission on Children & Families, along with support from the School District and a number of local partners have re-designed the Resource Development Team meetings. The new model, Community Support Network (CSN), focuses on supporting families who are facing multiple challenges and who would benefit from wrap-around supports.

The CSN model utilizes conference style meeting to recognize family strengths and provide an opportunity to express their concerns in a caring, confidential, and facilitated environment. The intended outcome for the meeting is to create a plan with an identified network of partners and resources to support the family in moving toward their goals and vision.

Here’s how you can be a part!

Refer Families If you are aware of a family who would benefit from this kind of support, please use the enclosed referral form to refer a family. When you refer to the network, you are committing to serve as the coordinator and advocate with the family you refer. This involves the following:

Completing the Referral form with the family.
Ensuring that the family gets to the meeting and advocating with and for the family during the meeting.

Be a Support Network Partner Enclosed with this letter is a copy of our first version of a referral form. You are receiving this letter because your organization provides a level of support for one or more of the areas listed on the second page of the enclosed referral form. WE NEED YOUR PARTICIPATION!As a part of the Network you will be notified and invited to participate in a support meeting if a family identifies an area related to your organization. As a partner at the meeting you can expect to:

Sign and agree to confidentiality about the meeting and what is shared there
Contribute to the discussion about the family’s strengths and vision for their family.
Provide helpful information and resources that will support the family in responding to their needs.
Learn about other community partners and the resources they provide to our community.

The challenges that face many families in our community continue to grow and YOUR SUPPORT for this critical initiative can be a stepping stone for turning challenges into opportunities. Please join us by filling out the attached Community Support Network Partner Information sheet or complete the form online at:

Thank you for all that you do and for your willingness to support our community. Please feel free to call us if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Bill Sheirbon
District 9 Child Welfare Program Manager
Department of Human Services

Candy Armstrong
Superintendant
North Wasco County School District #21

Christa Rude
Administrator
Wasco County Commission on Children & Families