Case Management Plan – The Crib
The Crib’s case management program will occur in 6 phases. The first four will each be approximately 3 months long and the last 2 will each be approximately 6 months long.
The Crib will focus on serving young, single mothers in crisis and their children. Although we specify “young” single mothers there is no age limit.
Our program is based on the belief that whenever possible it is better for children to remain with their parents, rather than entering into the foster care program. The best way to keep children with their parents is to work with the parents on their parenting and life skills, while encouraging and supporting them as they reach their goals.
The case management program will consist of meeting regularly with clients and working with them to reach goals jointly set by The Crib and each individual. The client will have three hour long meetings a week on average – two with the case manager and one with a Crib volunteer. The volunteer meetings will involve training in areas like finance, resume writing, the value of reading to children, etc. The Crib program will focus on the following areas:
Parenting: We will be working with the women to develop parenting skills through parenting curriculum, counseling, and through mentoring relationships with experienced Moms. We believe that by supporting the women in reaching goals in their own lives, we also help build their self esteem and help them to develop as parents. This will do more than anything else to create a positive and healthy childhood for their children.
Career and Education : We will work with the women to set goals for career and education, beginning with completion of the GED, if necessary, and a job/career plan that will allow each woman to provide for herself and her family. We will work with the women to balance work, education and family as they reach their goals.
Health and Wellness: Health and wellness is central to experiencing success as a parent and in life. We will work with program participants to develop good habits in exercise and nutrition and to secure and maintain appropriate medical care for themselves and their children.
Spirituality, Inspiration, Art: The ability to stay inspired about goals is at the heart of the ability to reach those goals. Living an inspired life is an art form and like any art, it requires practice. We will work with clients to develop practices that develop the muscle needed to stay inspired and motivated. We will encourage women to develop their personal spirituality and nurture their ability to generate inspiration in their own lives, the lives of their children and in the community around them. Art is an indispensable part of The Crib’s foundation. By observing, practicing and creating art, a woman is reminded of her own creative power and is more able to enact that power on her own life, and to teach these same skills to her children.
Living Situation: We will work with the participants to attain an immediate, safe living situation as they work towards goals of a self-sufficient living situation. We believe that having a comfortable, safe and orderly living space is at the heart of reaching one’s goals. We will work with program participants to develop good cleaning habits and to create an attractive and comfortable living space for their families.
Financial Management: We will work with program participants to create and maintain a budget. We will help them develop realistic short and long term financial goals and savings plans. The Crib will offer a matching savings program for all participants.
Community – Outreach and Relationships: It is important to give to others, and important to develop relationships with family and friends. We believe that a vital part of developing self-sufficiency is to give back to those around us. Part of The Crib’s case management program will encourage clients to find ways to give to others. This may be through donating time as a volunteer in a local charity or, eventually, mentoring Crib clients who are just beginning the program. Clients will also be encouraged to develop, repair and begin relationships with family and friends.
Rewards: Rewards will be offered when the participants reach goals in each step of the program. Rewards will include donated “shopping sprees”, home makeovers, personal makeovers, and other rewards that appeal to and motivate our clients.
Our goal is to work with each family to become self sufficient and inspired about their futures.
Parenting
Phase 1 – Months 1-3
- Begins Parenting Curriculum
- Is partnered with a mentor Mom. At least one activity a month with Mentor Mom.
- Learns about the value of reading to children and begins to read to her child each day.
- Looks for appropriate child care. Applies for assistance if applicable.
- At least one age appropriate special activity a week with child - such as going to the park, taking a walk, baking cookies, story hour at the library.
- Looks at ways to take some time each week for herself - trading babysitting, during naptime, etc.
Phase 2 – Months 4-6
- Certified in Infant and Child CPR
- continues parenting curriculum
- At least one activity a month with Mentor Mom.
- Reads to child daily
- At least one age appropriate special activity a week with child - such as going to the park, taking a walk, baking cookies, story hour at the library.
- Infant Massage or other age appropriate class
Phase 3 – Months 7-9
· continues parenting curriculum
- At least one activity a month with Mentor Mom.
- Reads to child daily
- At least one age appropriate special activity a week with child - such as going to the park, taking a walk, baking cookies, story hour at the library.
Phase 4 – Months 10-12
· continues parenting curriculum
- At least one activity a month with Mentor Mom.
- Reads to child daily
- At least one age appropriate activity a week with child - such as going to the park, taking a walk, baking cookies, story hour at the library.
Phase 5 – Months 13-18
- continues parenting curriculum
- At least one activity a month with Mentor Mom.
- Reads to child daily
- At least one age appropriate special activity a week with child - such as going to the park, taking a walk, baking cookies, story hour at the library.
Phase 6 – Months 19-24
- Completes Parenting Curriculum
- At least one activity a month with Mentor Mom.
- Reads to child daily
- At least one age appropriate special activity a week with child - such as going to the park, taking a walk, baking cookies, story hour at the library.
At Program Conclusion
She has learned to set and enforce boundaries for her children in a firm and respectful way. She listens to her children, plays with them, and has learned ways to bond with them. She is supportive of her child's creativity and education.
Career and Education
Phase 1 – Months 1-3
- If she has not completed high school, she begins work towards completing her GED or diploma.
- She begins to think and talk about what she would like to do with her life. Both what makes sense to pay the bills and what most inspires her.
Phase 2 – Months 4-6
- Continues to work towards GED or diploma until it is completed.
- Makes a career collage focusing on long term career goals and dreams.
- Prepares a resume (with CM/volunteer assistance)
- Attends training on interviewing techniques.
Phase 3 – Months 7-9
- Continues to work towards GED or diploma until it is completed. Moves on to secondary education when appropriate.
Phase 4 – Months 10-12
- Continues to work towards GED or diploma until it is completed. Moves on to secondary education when appropriate.
- Works with Case Manager to create a 5 year job, education and career plan
Phase 5 – Months 13-18
- Continues to work towards GED or diploma until it is completed. Moves on to secondary education when appropriate.
- Works towards goals in five year plan while still in a supported environment.
Phase 6 – Months 19-24
- Continues to work towards GED or diploma until it is completed. Moves on to secondary education when appropriate.
- Completes goals for the first year of the five year plan
At Program Conclusion
She is able to support herself and her children. She has developed both short and long term career goals and has a plan to reach those goals. She has earned her high school diploma or GED, and made a plan for further education and training that is in line with her career goals.
Health and Wellness
Phase 1 – Months 1-3
- Applies for medical assistance
- Finds a pediatrician and gets up to date on medical visits for her child.
- Finds a doctor for herself and gets up to date on medical visits.
- Works with case manager or Crib volunteer to plan, shop for and cook healthy meals.
- Exercises regularly.
- Sets fitness goals for herself and her child.
- Apply for assistance with food and groceries (WIC, food stamps, local food banks, etc.)
Phase 2 – Months 4-6
- She and her child stay up to date on medical visits.
- Continues to work with case manager or Crib volunteer to plan, shop for and cook healthy meals.
- Exercises regularly.
- Checks in with fitness goals
- Begins to teach her child about healthy habits.
- Case Manager will work with Special Evenings Coordinator to schedule a cooking class and dinner for the client to attend.
Phase 3 – Months 7-9
- She and her child stay up to date on medical visits.
- Exercises regularly.
- Checks in with fitness goals
- Continues to teach her child about healthy habits.
Phase 4 – Months 10-12
- She and her child stay up to date on medical visits.
- Exercises regularly.
- Checks in with fitness goals
- Continues to teach her child about healthy habits.
Phase 5 – Months 13-18
- She and her child stay up to date on medical visits.
- Exercises regularly.
- Checks in with fitness goals
- Continues to teach her child about healthy habits.
Phase 6 – Months 19-24
- She and her child stay up to date on medical visits.
- Exercises regularly.
- Checks in with fitness goals
- Continues to teach her child about healthy habits.
At Program Conclusion
She sets a good example for her child in practicing healthy habits. Both she and her child eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. She and her child have medical coverage and stay up to date on doctor’s visits.
Spirituality, Inspiration and Art
Phase 1 – Months 1-3
- Begins to work on dreaming and goal setting. Writes a paragraph about what she would like to do and who she would like to be in each area of the program. Works with the Case Manager on answers if necessary.
- Attends at least two group or community events monthly that fall into this category. Can be church services, art classes or inspirational presentations.
- At least one reading (or listening) monthly on prayer, meditation, positive thinking, inspiration, etc. The Case Manager will provide a list of possible readings, however the choice is up to the client and is not limited to the list provided by the case manager.
- At least one Journal entry a week. Can be written, drawn or photographed.
Phase 2 – Months 4-6
- Attends at least two community or motivational events monthly that fall into this category.
- Begins work on scrap book with a page documenting each year of her life - at least one picture per page, who was in her life then, major events that happened that year. This work will be done with volunteers and supplies will be provided.
- One Collage. Collages will be a collection of images that express the client’s goals and dreams in an area of the program. Throughout the program the client will complete at least one collage per quarter, starting with the second quarter, allowing her to create visual reminders of her dreams and goals in each program area. Completed collages may be framed for the client.
- Begins to develop a practice of prayer, meditation or affirmation.
- At least one Journal entry a week. Can be written, drawn or photographed.
Phase 3 – Months 7-9
- Attends at least two community or motivational events monthly that fall into this category.
- One Collage.
- Continues to develop a practice of prayer, meditation or positive thinking.
- At least one Journal entry a week. Can be written, drawn or photographed.
Phase 4 – Months 10-12
- Attends at least two community or motivational events monthly that fall into this category.
- One Collage
- Continues to develop a practice of prayer, meditation or positive thinking.
- At least one Journal entry a week. Can be written, drawn or photographed.
Phase 5 – Months 13-18
- Attends at least two community or motivational events monthly that fall into this category.
- Two Collages
- Continues to develop a practice of prayer, meditation or positive thinking.
- At least one Journal entry a week. Can be written, drawn or photographed.
Phase 6 – Months 19-24
- Attends at least two community or motivational events monthly that fall into this category.
- Art Thesis: Completes a case manager approved art "thesis". Can be writing, photographs, musical, film, theater or any other art form. The project should deal with the experiences and growth throughout The Crib's program, and the future she now sees for herself and her child.
- Two collages
- Continues to develop a practice of prayer, meditation or positive thinking.
- At least one Journal entry a week. Can be written, drawn or photographed.
At Program Conclusion
She has developed the ability to visualize and articulate the dreams she has for herself, her child and her world. She has a connection with her spirituality and continues to develop practices that strengthen that connection. She has tools available to access sources of inspiration for herself, her child, and those around her.
Living Situation
Phase 1 – Months 1-3
- Assess current living situation - is it safe? Comfortable? Clean? Organized? Hers, or is she staying with friends or in a shelter?
- If necessary, make immediate plans to find an acceptable short term, semi permanent or permanent living situation for the client and her child(ren) that is safe and affordable.
- Basic cleaning skills assessed. If necessary a Crib volunteer will work with the client to teach them basic cleaning skills.
- Training on home safety.
- Assure that current residence is at an appropriate level of child safety.
Phase 2 – Months 4-6
- Works with case manager to create cleaning schedule. Will report each week on successes and look for solutions to challenges.
- Begins a conversation with case manager on why having a clean environment is important and what it would make available to her in her life and her child's life.
- Writing on what makes a home a home. Discussion on how to bring those elements of home into her current living situation.
Phase 3 – Months 7-9
- Organize living environment.
- Continue to address victories and challenges.
Phase 4 – Months 10-12
- Continue to maintain and clean and organized living environment.
- Write down ideal living situation and make a plan to get there.
Phase 5 – Months 13-18
- Work towards ideal living situation.
- Reward: After completing a year of the program and demonstrating the ability to maintain a reasonably clean and organized living space Crib volunteers will perform a "home makeover" for the client. This will include working with the client on styles she likes, painting (if allowable), donating new and refurbished furniture and decor items and helping with space decoration. If the client is in a situation where this isn't possible, another reward will be substituted.
Phase 6 – Months 19-24
- Work towards ideal living situation.
At Program Conclusion
She and her child have a home that feels like home. They will have a (semi) permanent living situation that is safe and affordable. Residence is clean, organized and decorated. If it is not the situation she ultimately wants to be in, she has a plan to reach her desired situation.
Financial Management
Phase 1 – Months 1-3
- Applies for available public assistance.
- Fills out a basic budget.
- Works with case manager to adjust budget so that it fits within her income.
- Reviews budget monthly with case manager
- Signs up for Crib's matching savings program
- Makes a list of all debts. Either pays debts or makes agreements to pay the debts in the future.
Phase 2 – Months 4-6
- Reviews budget monthly with case manager
- Gets her credit score and works with case manager or Crib volunteer to repair or build credit if necessary.
Phase 3 – Months 7-9
- Reviews budget monthly with case manager
Phase 4 – Months 10-12
- Reviews budget monthly with case manager
- Works with Case Manager to create a 5 year financial plan.
Phase 5 – Months 13-18
- Reviews budget monthly with case manager
- Attends workshop on Investing or plays Cash flow with Crib volunteers
- Takes steps to meet five year financial plan
Phase 6 – Months 19-24
- Reviews budget monthly with case manager
- Attends workshop on Investing or plays Cashflow (board game about investing) with Crib volunteers
- Completes goals for 1st year of 5 year financial plan.
At program completion
She is able to support herself and her child, and is self-sufficient (off of public assistance and earning an income that supports herself and her child) or on her way to being self-sufficient. She has and follows a budget that is within her means. She has a general understanding of investing. She has a savings account and savings is a part of her budget. She has set financial goals and has a plan to meet those goals.
Community – Outreach and Relationships
Phase 1 – Months 1-3
- If there are any family or personal crisis going on she will work with the case manager to resolve these crisis. The case manager will work with her to find appropriate personal or family counseling if necessary.
- Deal with any outstanding warrants, tickets, etc.
- Finds at least one inspiring quote, image or reading monthly on community, contribution, family or friendship.
- Attends monthly Crib Community get-togethers. If she is not able to make the scheduled Crib event, or if no event is scheduled another community activity may be substituted at the CM's discretion.
Phase 2 – Months 4-6
- If necessary, she will seek counseling in family relationships.
- Finds at least one inspiring quote, image or reading monthly on community, contribution, family or friendship.
- Attends monthly Crib Community get-togethers. If she is not able to make the scheduled Crib event, or if no event is scheduled another community activity may be substituted at the CM's discretion.
Phase 3 – Months 7-9
- Finds at least one inspiring quote, image or reading monthly on community, contribution, family or friendship.
- Attends monthly Crib Community get-togethers. If she is not able to make the scheduled Crib event, or if no event is scheduled another community activity may be substituted at the CM's discretion.
- Participates in an activity or event that helps others.
Phase 4 – Months 10-12
- Finds at least one inspiring quote, image or reading monthly on community, contribution, family or friendship.
- Attends monthly Crib Community get-togethers. If she is not able to make the scheduled Crib event, or if no event is scheduled another community activity may be substituted at the CM's discretion.
- Participates in an activity or event that helps others.
Phase 5 – Months 13-18
- Finds at least one inspiring quote, image or reading monthly on community, contribution, family or friendship.
- Attends monthly Crib Community get-togethers. If she is not able to make the scheduled Crib event, or if no event is scheduled another community activity may be substituted at the CM's discretion.
- Participates in an activity or event that helps others.
Phase 6 – Months 19-24
- Prepares a presentation on a problem or challenge in her community or the world that she is inspired to make a difference in. This can be a small or large problem or challenge. This is a place to dream big. She should include a plan to make a difference, and small steps that she and others can take now that will make a difference.
- Finds at least one inspiring quote, image or reading monthly on community, contribution, family or friendship.
- Attends monthly Crib Community get-togethers. If she is not able to make the scheduled Crib event, or if no event is scheduled another community activity may be substituted at the CM's discretion.
- Participates in an activity or event that helps others.
At program completion:
She is an active part of her community. She sees ways she can contribute to the world and actively participates in activities that make a difference in her community and in her world. She has healthy relationships with family and friends.
Rewards
As the client completes actions and reaches goals she will receive points. Points can be used to “purchase” rewards. Other rewards will be given automatically at different points in the program, and will not cost the client any points.
The following are examples of some of the rewards that can be purchased with points:
- Professional photo Shoot w/ mother and child
- Activity for child – gymnastics, music, etc.
- Membership to relish.com
- extra savings in their Crib savings account
- Gift Cards to local stores and restaurants
- Art workshops
- Attend theater
- Career makeover - hair, clothes, makeup
- Yard sale dollars. Each client will get $20 yard sale dollars automatically for each sale, and is eligible for more as a reward.
At the completion of the program each client will be honored at a graduation dinner. This will be attended by Crib staff, volunteers and the family and friends of the client. It is a time to recognize the client for her achievement.
