PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN

The Partnership for Children is a group of youth-serving organizations in Elkhart County that helps identify youth with emotional or behavioral health issues earlier, gets them help faster and improves outcomes for children and families.

Sometimes kids need help learning to manage their behaviors and emotions. The agencies involved with Partnership for Children serve 16,000 kids in Elkhart County, and they’re in a unique position to help kids who are struggling.

PFC exists to help those youth stay in and benefit from the partner organization, expand the youth’s positive supports and decrease the need for costly, high-end services, such as school suspension, juvenile detention or foster care. Of youth participating in Partnership for Children:

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574-349-8908

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pfc@oaklawn.org

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meet their personal goals and stay at their partner organization

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develop a stronger support system

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avoid or reduce utilization of high-end services

What does PFC do?

PFC is a group of youth serving organizations in Elkhart County, Indiana that work together to provide early assessment, support and intervention to children and youth struggling with behavioral or emotional challenges.

PFC staff are trained mental health professionals who work with youth enrolled in our partner agencies. After an initial referral and screening process, youth and families are linked to the services and supports that they choose. If a youth and family’s needs are short-term then PFC staff are available to provide brief services directly. If a youth and family indicate that longer-term support is needed, then PFC staff assist with linking them to those services and supports.

Additionally, PFC trains all staff at our partner organizations in topics such as Youth Mental Health First Aid, suicide prevention, childhood trauma and other important aspects of youth mental health.

Meet our partner agencies!

Bashor Children’s Home

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Boys and Girls Clubs

CAPS

Center for Community Justice

History of PFC

Partnership for Children was an idea born from The SOURCE, Elkhart County’s system of care. Leaders wanted to replicate wraparound, a model that puts families at the center of treatment and “wraps” them in support.

United in their common desire to improve the lives of children and families, and thanks to an initial grant from the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, leaders of these organizations came together to launch Partnership for Children in 2015. Thanks to continued support from the Community Foundation, the Oaklawn Foundation, financial partners Rober Weed Corporation, Everence, Ancon Construction, Lake City Bank and others, the Partnership continues to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions about PFC

How can my child join PFC?

Children must be referred to PFC through one of our partner agencies, listed above. Your child may already be involved with one of these programs and you can inquire with their staff about a referral to PFC. If you would like to enroll your child in one of our partner agencies, contact them directly. Their staff can help determine if PFC is right for your family.

My child has been referred to PFC. Now what?

We will contact you with details about getting started. Services are provided at a time and location convenient to you and are confidential. Our staff works with you and your child to set individualized goals and map out a plan for success.

You and your family are expert members of the team. Meet the rest of the team here!

How much does PFC cost?

Thanks to generous financial support from the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, the Oaklawn Foundation, Robert Weed Corporation, Ancon Construction, Everence, Lake City Bank, Goshen Noon Kiwanis Club and others, Partnership for Children is offered free to families.

My organization wants to join PFC.

If your youth-serving organization is interested in joining Partnership for Children, contact pfc@oaklawn.org.

Still have questions?

Contact us at pfc@oaklawn.org or 574-349-8908.

Making a Referral

This 12-minute video gives step by step instructions on how Elkhart County PFC partner organizations can refer a child/youth to the program.

PFC Partner Resources

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PFC Referral Quick Reference

This 2-page printable pdf will guide you through the process to refer a child/family to PFC.

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PFC Referral Form

This 1-page referral form can be downloaded as a Word document and filled in electronically.

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Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)

The SDQ is a 25 item, free screening tool that gives us important information about how a child or youth is doing and what strengths can be built upon.

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PFC Release of Information

A blank, fillable release of information form.

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PFC Poster

A printable 8.5 x 11 inch poster that describes the PFC basics.

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Meet the PFC Team (English and Spanish)

A flyer in English to share with parents and caregivers when explaining PFC to them.

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Training Catalog

A full list of all the trainings available through The SOURCE.

PFC Partner Monthly Foundational Trainings

PFC Partners have access to monthly trainings on children’s mental health. Trainings are sponsored by The SOURCE and PFC as part of Oaklawn. For details and registration links, see The SOURCE’s training page. For recordings of past videos, see below.