National Child Abuse 

Prevention Month

 

As a mandated reporter, you’re aware of the investigative and intervention roles of Child Protective Services in cases of child maltreatment. But did you know that CPS also works in conjunction with local organizations to provide prevention services?

 

In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we profile TogetherNow, a local nonprofit that brings together a network of providers to improve the state of social care in the community. At the heart of their work is MyWayfinder, an innovative online platform designed to deliver resources directly to the end user.
 

Photo Credit: TogetherNow Website

“In many situations, neglect can stem from a lack of resources,” explained Nikisha Johnson, Assistant Director of TogetherNow, “whether financial or having no access to support systems.” Johnson emphasized the importance of understanding the complex factors that can contribute to cases of neglect.

 

When it comes to assisting families—including those who may not have previously interacted with the child welfare system—Johnson advocates for a proactive approach. “By providing comprehensive support and resources, we can prevent adverse incidents, strengthen family units, and ultimately foster more resilient communities,” she said.

 

Statistics show that a lack of resources, unsteady childcare, unstable housing, and lack of opportunities for education and employment contribute to reports of child abuse and neglect.

 

The goal of TogetherNow is to see people move from crisis and uncertainty to long-term stability, ultimately improving the health and well-being of children and families.

 

“In Rochester, like many communities, there are many wonderful support organizations, but they tend to operate in silos,” said Johnson. “We attempt to bring them together in a meaningful way, to make the experience better for the people they’re serving.”

TogetherNow (formerly the Systems Integration Project) has been operating for 7 years and currently has 65 contracted partners in Monroe County, including 211/Life Line. A central focus of TogetherNow is to gather accurate information to better understand the needs of the community.

 

“Our work requires a collaborative effort,” said Johnson. “We conduct focus groups and empathy interviews with community members, involving them in decision-making and testing to develop solutions that will serve them best.”

 

This approach to human-centered design is a proven model built on the end user’s experience.

One of the biggest obstacles a family encounters when searching for support is simply knowing what is available—and what they qualify for—in their current situation.

 

In response, TogetherNow created MyWayfinder, an online search tool that can be used anonymously or by creating an account to find and obtain local resources. MyWayfinder puts people at the center of care by connecting them with a diverse network of committed providers.

 

“MyWayfinder makes it easier to navigate a complex system to get people the resources they need, when they need them, to hopefully prevent any family from going without,” said Johnson. In addition, MyWayfinder is integrated with RTS bus stops and routes, so a search will pull the user’s location to present resources in their area.

 

“MyWayfinder is powered by the 211 database and serves as a platform that connects community members with service organizations,” said Johnson. People who sign up for accounts can get care suggestions, request services, securely message with providers, and even save their information and track their progress.

 

Data shows that since MyWayfinder launched in 2022, it has been utilized in 93,140 searches, with over a 95% satisfaction rate.

 

“Each individual is the best expert of their lives,” Johnson said. “This tool gives them choices, shows what they are eligible for, who is taking referrals, and where the closest bus stop is located.”

There are actions we can take as a society and within communities, organizations, and families to address the root causes of child abuse and neglect. The 2023/2024 Prevention Resource Guide prepared by the Child Welfare Information Gateway highlights the innovative ways that communities around the country are doing purposeful prevention work to help children and families thrive. 

“In Rochester, the Crisis Nursery is one example of a preventive service and the good it can do for a family,” said Johnson.

 

The Crisis Nursery of Greater Rochester —the only licensed program of its kind in the Greater Rochester region—delivers free, temporary childcare during family emergencies (e.g., medical emergencies, unexpected illness, accidents, unemployment, mental health episodes, unexpected death, domestic violence, homelessness, legal issues, unstable/unsafe housing). The program is based on a national model established in the 1980s, which was piloted in Rochester in 1999, and adopted and run by The Center for Youth since 2008.

 

“Asking for help is a humbling experience,” said Johnson. “When you see a family that is struggling, understand that telling your story over and over to people who don’t know you is traumatizing in itself.”

 

“There is a lot of pressure on mandated reporters and caseworkers to know everything,” she continued. “MyWayfinder simplifies the process through its trusted network of TogetherNow providers to make it easier for people who need support.”