Systems of Care: Children and Adolescents With Serious Emotional Disturbances (continued)

Components of Systems of Care
(see list of specific services below)

"Cultural competence" is an important goal in systems of care. It means that each provider organization must show respect for, and respond to, individual differences and special needs. Services must be provided in the appropriate cultural context and without discrimination related to race, national origin, income level, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or physical disability, to name a few. Culturally competent caregivers are aware of the impact of their own culture on their relationships with consumers and know about and respect cultural and ethnic differences. They adapt their skills to meet each family's values and customs. For more information on cultural competence, call 1-800-789-2647.

What kinds of services are included?

The range of services that may be included in a system of care fall under the categories shown in the graphic above. A young person with a serious emotional disturbance and his or her family may be referred for one or more of these services:²

What is a case manager or service coordinator?

A case manager or service coordinator facilitates delivery of the individualized treatment plan used to serve a child or adolescent with a serious emotional disturbance and his or her family. This person identifies the role of each provider and coordinates all services. The goal is to make sure the plan builds on the strengths, and meets the unique needs, of both the child and family. As the child's needs change, the case manager notes these changes and adjusts the mix of services, as necessary. For example, a case manager may recommend tutoring and counseling when a child no longer requires day treatment. When working with a child who is experiencing a serious emotional disorder, a case manager's role is dynamic - that of advocate, therapist, and coordinator of a package of services. A case manager has, on average, a caseload of between four and 12 youths and their families.