This innovative intake system model aims to shorten wait times for social services
Posted: Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Source:
Generocity
The formula for how the length of wait times for city social services impacts people in need is simple, according to Carlita Owens, a licensed clinical social worker.
When it’s quick, she said, clients are more likely to get better faster. When it strays longer than a few days, the consequences mount: relapse for those with substance use disorder, suicide ideation and more.
Shortened wait times is one of many goals of centralized intake systems (we’ll call them “c-intake systems” here), which hinge on collaboration between providers.
In Philadelphia, the homeless services, home visiting and legal sectors are all currently developing ways to bring this method to their clients. This summer, the William Penn Foundation even put a $1.3 million price tag on the idea for a centralized referral center for local home visiting providers.