The , which is implemented by the Children's Home Network and School of Social Work faculty Kerry Littlewood, PhD, MSW, and Larry Cooper, MSW, LCSW, has been rated as a research supported program by the federal . This rating means that states and jurisdictions that replicate this model can be reimbursed up to 50% by federal money, even if they don't have a Family First Prevention Services Act plan.
"Receiving this rating in two evidence-based clearinghouses (California and federal) speaks volumes about the community practice and research/evaluation partnership that Dr. Littlewood and Larry Cooper have cultivated over two decades," said Chris Simmons, PhD, interim director of the School of Social Work.
According to the , the KIN-TECH鈩� Kinship Navigator program offers "centralized intake and referral services, intensive in-home case management and navigation services, support groups as well as leading community collaborative meetings, and local partnerships to support relative and non-relative caregivers."
The Prevention Services Clearinghouse reviews research on programs and services that support children and families and prevent foster care placements. The organization rates programs and services as well-supported, supported, promising, or does not currently meet criteria.
"This is a really big deal for practice, for our state, and for us to have such innovative partners in the Children's Home Network and even having Larry teaching our students," said Chis Groeber, MSW, an associate in research of social work. "This is a really important step nationally to thrust Kinship care into the spotlight and begin to make changes that are a long time coming."