[ Browse by Service Category : Topics Related to Outreach Programs (4) ]
Early Identification Programs
Programs that develop and implement organized plans for locating and identifying children who may be experiencing developmental delays or be in need of special education, and connect them with programs that provide evaluation and assessment services and/or school systems that offer the educational assistance they need.
Street Outreach Programs
Programs that are staffed by outreach workers who spend time with people who live on the street, build relationships with them, identify and address their immediate needs (e.g., crisis intervention, food, clean clothing, hygiene kits, blankets, someone to listen) and provide information about and linkage to longer-term forms of support such as shelter, counselling, drug and alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation, care/case management and, where applicable, family reunification services. Street outreach programs may be staffed by volunteers or peers who were formerly homeless; and may target special populations such as homeless youth at risk for sexual abuse or exploitation, veterans, or people with specific medical or mental health conditions, or be available to the larger homeless population.
Youth Outreach Programs
Community-based programs staffed by outreach workers who support vulnerable and at-risk youth, build relationships with them, and provide them with information about and referrals to other forms of support and opportunities that can lead to positive social, educational, economic and health outcomes. Services offered may include assistance with the youth's immediate concerns or crisis, help navigate the system and access the services they need, support sessions for their families and caregivers, opportunities to connect with other youth and access peer support, and/or a safe space in a drop-in centre. Youth outreach programs may implement various strategies to reach the youth population where they are, including social media outreach, partnerships with youth serving organizations, maintaining a presence at community events attended by youth, or through peer mentors or youth ambassadors.
The above terms and definitions are part of the Taxonomy of Human Services, used here by permission of INFO LINE of Los Angeles.