#United States #Findhelp #Hawai'i #Community Services #Hawai'i DCR

Findhelp and the Hawai'i Department of Corrections: A New Era of Community Support

Findhelp, a leading social care coordination platform in the United States, has entered into a significant collaboration with the Hawai'i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR). This partnership aims to implement a statewide Community Referral Management and Service Coordination Platform designed to enhance the way services are provided to individuals under the department's care. The innovative system will replace outdated, manual referral processes with a more cohesive digital network, improving the support offered to justice-involved individuals throughout the islands.

The Vision Behind this Partnership

In light of the unique geographical and logistical challenges presented by the Hawaiian Islands, DCR has recognized the necessity for a robust platform to facilitate seamless communication and coordination among correctional facilities, case workers, and community organizations. The objective is to ensure that individuals transitioning back into society receive the assistance they need from pretrial stages to their eventual release and reintegration into their communities.

As Tommy Johnson, the DCR Director, explained, the initiative represents an evolution in the way rehabilitation services are delivered in Hawaii. By focusing on modern community partnerships, the DCR hopes to enhance the reintegration experience for individuals and foster connections with their families and communities post-release.

Streamlined Processes and Enhanced Care

The new platform provides a comprehensive solution structured around four key areas:

1. Support for Case Managers: By allowing staff to easily search for services, initiate referrals, and monitor their progress within a singular system, the platform aims to lessen the workloads of case managers, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of the care process.

2. Continued Support Post-Release: Individuals leaving DCR will have access to ongoing services, enabling them to search for resources independently while still receiving help from community case managers through the platform.

3. Early Connection Establishment: Referrals can now begin during pretrial supervision, giving individuals crucial time to secure housing and other necessary resources before release, thereby promoting a smoother transition.

4. Identifying Service Gaps: The system's data tracking capabilities will allow DCR to pinpoint which services are in demand and where deficiencies exist, directing resources to where they are most needed.

This collaborative approach is poised to transform how community support is delivered, making it easier for individuals to connect with essential services.

Benefits of a Statewide Online Network

The new digital infrastructure integrates various essential features that address DCR's challenges and promote efficiency:

• - Statewide Coordination: By connecting site staff with over 470 local organizations offering more than 600 programs across Hawaii, the platform encourages a well-rounded and accessible service safety net.
• - Integrated Benefits Enrollment: Streamlined processes for checking eligibility and enrolling in government programs like Med-QUEST, SNAP, and TANF will significantly reduce the administrative burden on caseworkers.
• - Outcome Tracking Mechanism: Tracking referrals from start to completion provides real-time insights into service delivery and partner capacities.
• - Tablet Integration for Secure Access: The system will work alongside existing DCR tablet initiatives, allowing individuals in care to explore resources safely.

Being able to offer unlimited access to staff without per-seat licensing fees further enhances the program's efficiency and usability.

Commitment to Long-Term Change

The collaboration between Findhelp, SHI, and the Hawai'i DCR marks a significant shift towards a modernized safety net for individuals involved with the justice system in Hawaii. By ensuring that correctional processes and community services are interconnected, this groundbreaking initiative aims to combat recidivism effectively and foster healthier communities across O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i, and Hawai'i Island.

This partnership embodies the mission of Findhelp: to ensure everyone can find assistance with dignity and ease. As Erine Gray, the company's founder, stated, providing DCR staff with the necessary tools not only streamlines operations but significantly impacts the lives of individuals seeking to rebuild their futures. Together, Findhelp and the Hawai'i Department of Corrections are paving the way for a more supportive and resourceful environment for those on the path to rehabilitation.