Service: Case Management
Case management is a key method of service delivery within the agency. The case management services provided through Friend Inc. complies with professional practice standards. The NASW Standards for Social Work Case Management is used as a template, providing guidelines for case management best practices. Friend, Inc. Community Services continually assesses the human services needs of residents in Northeastern Berks County. We tailor our services to address those needs efficiently and effectively. The client’s ability to become self-sufficient is our ultimate goal.
To accomplish this goal, each client is assigned a case manager who will work with the client to get the appropriate assistance. When a client contacts the assigned case manager, they can usually expect the following procedure to occur:
- Individuals contact our agency and a process of gathering information begins. A pre-screening takes place to ensure the individual or family is in our service area and to determine household size.
- Our case managers meet individually with clients to evaluate the obstacles facing them and to work diligently to find the resources necessary to help them overcome, anticipate and rebuild their lives.
- Clients meet with a case manager to determine the specific service plan required for each individual and/or family. The case manager determines what the main issue is and provides assistance and guides the individual and/or family in that direction.
- Regular contact is maintained with each client to follow progress and update the service plan. We help the client access services and monitor follow-through and utilization of those services.
Every client is offered case management services, food pantry assistance for eligible families, counseling assistance, support groups to meet individual needs, and referrals to other programs such as BCAP, LIHEAP, and Family Life Services.