As a parent or caregiver, navigating your child’s needs can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task — especially when there are multiple areas to consider, from healthcare and education to social services. That’s where Targeted Case Management (TCM) can come in. TCM is designed to support families by connecting them with the right resources, coordinating services, and providing guidance every step of the way. If you have a child who has behavioral health needs, an intellectual disability, or a significant medical condition, TCM can offer a range of benefits that make handling your child’s needs more manageable and effective.

Here are five key benefits that Targeted Case Management can provide for families who are qualified:

1. Assessing the Strengths and Needs of Your Child and Family

Every family is different, and each child has unique strengths and challenges. One of the first steps in Targeted Case Management is assessing both the child’s and family’s needs across various areas — medical, educational, social, and other services.

Whether your child needs additional support with learning, is dealing with a medical condition, or requires assistance accessing social services, a case manager will evaluate all aspects of their life. By identifying your child’s strengths and specific needs, the case manager can help create a comprehensive picture of the support your family requires, ensuring that no area of need goes overlooked.

2. Developing a Tailored Plan to Meet Identified Needs

Once your child’s needs and strengths are assessed, the next step is to develop a personalized care plan that addresses these needs. The case manager works with your family to design a plan that is realistic, achievable, and focused on your child’s well-being. This plan could include goals like improving educational outcomes, accessing necessary healthcare services, or securing social services that support family stability.

The plan is designed to be flexible and dynamic, evolving as your child grows and their needs change, ensuring that the support continues to be relevant and effective.

3. Educating Families About Available Services and Systems

Navigating the various services available to your child — whether in healthcare, education, or social services — can be confusing and overwhelming. TCM provides education to families about the systems and services that are available to help.

Your case manager can walk you through the different services, explain how they work, and provide clear information about eligibility requirements, so you know what you and your child are entitled to. Understanding the systems available to you helps ensure that you can make informed decisions and take full advantage of the services that are offered.

4. Connecting You to a Range of Suitable and Accessible Resources

Once your child’s needs are assessed and a plan is in place, the next crucial step is making sure you have access to suitable and accessible resources. Whether it's specialized healthcare providers, educational support programs, or community resources, your case manager helps connect you to the services your child requires.

Additionally, TCM can help families navigate financial support systems for preventing housing instability or homelessness. This includes connecting them to resources such as local food pantries, clothing closets, and financial assistance programs at the federal, state, and town levels. These vital resources help create a foundation of stability that can reduce stress and enable families to focus on their child’s well-being.

TCM ensures that the resources are not only appropriate for your child’s needs but also within reach, meaning they’re accessible in terms of location, affordability, and availability. Your case manager can also keep track of these services to make sure your family is receiving the most efficient and effective support.

5. Coordinating, Referring, and Overseeing the Delivery of Services

One of the most significant challenges families face is managing and coordinating multiple services. This often means dealing with numerous providers, setting up appointments, and ensuring everyone is working together in the best interest of your child. TCM helps streamline this process.

Your case manager can coordinate and oversee the delivery of services, ensuring that appointments are scheduled, follow-ups are made, and all providers are aligned. This coordination reduces the stress of managing multiple services and ensures that no gaps or overlaps occur, which is especially important when your child’s needs involve multiple providers.

Additionally, your case manager can identify treatment options and provide referrals to relevant services, whether that means referring your child for a neuropsychological evaluation, Occupational Therapy, or Home and Community Based Treatment, so you don’t have to navigate the system alone.

TCM as a Lifeline for Families

Targeted Case Management at Maine Children’s Home offers a structured, yet flexible approach to supporting families with children from infancy to young adulthood. By assessing your child’s needs, developing personalized plans, connecting you to resources, and offering advocacy and coordination, TCM ensures that you’re not alone in the process. Whether your child needs medical care, educational support, or social services, Targeted Case Management provides the tools and support to navigate it all — helping your family thrive.

Do you think your family could benefit from Targeted Case Management?

Learn more or find a referral form on the Maine Children’s Home website. You can also email a Maine Children’s Home Case Manager at Connect@MaineChildrensHome.org.