History
In February 2002, Prevent Child Abuse America's Board of Directors unanimously approved a recommendation to develop regional centers for the management and administration of certain Healthy Families America (HFA) program functions including: training, technical assistance and preparation of sites for credentialing. The premise of this strategic direction was linked to the long-time vision of both PCA America and HFA that building the strength, capacity and resources at the local and state levels was the best assurance for long-term sustainability of HFA programs.
The overall goal is to create three RRCs that are fully operational by 2007 to provide training and quality assurance support for a majority of all HFA program sites in the United States. The result should be greater implementation of quality assurance measures at HFA program sites, increased uniformity of definitions of services, and more consistent training. It is believed that by enhancing the capacity of local delivery systems through a regional model, the sustainability of the HFA program across the country can more readily be ensured.
Two pilot sites were selected in July 2002 -- the Midwest Regional Resource Center (MWRRC) and the Western Regional Resource Center (WRRC). Both Centers became operational effective January 20, 2003.
Vision
To expand capacity, improve the quality of training & technical assistance & increase the number of sites providing quality services for families.
Overview of Roles & Responsibilities
The following outlines the roles and responsibilities for each Regional Resource Center:
- To communicate regularly - through proactive outreach -- with the state systems and sites within their defined RRC region and with other RRCs to coordinate technical assistance and support for the purpose of growing and sustaining HFA Sites and State Systems.
- To provide and/or coordinate core and advanced trainings for HFA staff within the RRC's defined region.
- To provide support for the Train the Trainer (T3) Institutes via outreach to states, helping to identify potential participants and serving as guest faculty.
- To host and coordinate advanced training for trainers with the HFA national office (both HFA specific and via other available training sources).
- To provide or coordinate technical assistance for program quality, adherence to the HFA Critical Elements and the credentialing process.
- To participate in the evaluation of the RRC, including provision of quarterly reports and support for a common technical assistance tracking tool and data collection processes.
- To work toward establishing functioning systems, as defined in the Framework for HFA State Systems Development, in the areas of quality assurance, technical assistance, training, fundraising, data management systems and evaluation on an annual basis. The RRC will work with states within their region to assess strengths, challenges and gaps in services and maximize opportunities to broker services based on collaborative agreements.
- To pursue strategies for building partnerships, linkages and outreach with other state systems and PCA America state chapters where appropriate or work to enhance current relationships and partnerships.
- To demonstrate a commitment to ongoing collaboration for support and the exchange of expertise, information and resources amongst the RRC's and/or other state systems.
Continuing Responsibilities of Prevent Child Abuse America & Healthy Families America
PCA America will continue to:
- Certify HFA Trainers.
- Update and license HFA national training materials.
- Plan and coordinate the Train the Trainers Institute (T3).
- Coordinate training in states not currently in an area with a RRC.
- Support the Credentialing Panel.
- Train Peer Reviewers & provide Refresher Training for Peers.
- Maintain responsibility for standards development.
- Establish relationships and reciprocity agreements with other accrediting agencies.
- Provide technical assistance to RRCs and to HFA sites not yet in an area with a RRC.
- Support RRC's around capacity building & growth including: collaboration, funding, advocacy and strategic planning.
- Build new state systems and coach existing state systems to become stronger.
- Focus on issues such as partnerships and convening the HFA network.
- Facilitate communication to the field through SCOOP, Funding Series, TA calls and our relationship with the State Leaders Advisory Committee (SLAC).
- Lead in the areas of fund development, advocacy, materials development, brand identity, media efforts and evaluation/research to RRCs, state systems and the field.
Midwest Regional Resource Center
The Midwest Regional Resource Center is a collaborative effort between the states of Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. The RRC is housed at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, part of Trinity Health (headquartered in Oakland County, Michigan), the largest non-profit health care company in the Midwest and the sixth largest nationally. The MWRRC is drawing on the vast expertise and resource specialties of these collaborating state systems as well as states throughout the region. The following states are included in the Midwest Region:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
Contact Information:
HFA Midwest Regional Resource Center
Kathleen Strader, Director
44405 Woodward Avenue, H-700
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 988-8990
(248) 644-6747 FAX
straderk@trinity-health.org
Western Regional Resource Center
The Western Regional Resource Center is coordinated by Healthy Families Arizona (HFAz), in partnership with the Arizona Department of Economic Security and Prevent Child Abuse Arizona. HFAz has a long history with HFA and of providing technical assistance and training to many states across the country. Like their counterparts in the MWRRC, the WRRC draws upon the expertise and resources that exist within the states that comprise this region. The following states are included in the Western Region:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
Contact Information:
HFA Western Regional Resource Center
Kate Whitaker, Director
4911 E. Broadway, #100
Tucson, AZ 85711
W: 520-326-5154, 104
Fax: 520-326-5155
hfazkate@earthlink.net
Utilization and Satisfaction with the Regional Resource Centers
In early 2005 a survey was disseminated to a comprehensive list of customers and potential customers of the RRCs to assess their level of utilization and satisfaction with the centers. This report describes the highlights from this survey.
Frequently Asked Questions About the HFA Regional Resource Centers
If my State or Site is Part of a Regional Resource Center does this mean that I can no longer call PCA America?
The Regional Resource Centers are intended to provide a central point of contact for the HFA state systems and sites located within that region. The RRC staff is responsible for maintaining up-to-date information on trainings, resources and other opportunities available within the region. While states and/or sites are not precluded from contacting the national office, more detailed information about local and regional resources may be available via the RRC. The majority of training and quality assurance related questions will be directly referred to the RRC's.
If my State or Site is Part of A Regional Resource Center Does this mean that I no longer work directly with my Primary Contact and/or other State Leaders in my state?
The RRC's are in no way intended to replace the current infrastructures, communication systems and training and technical assistance systems in place within states. The RRC's are intended to provide a mechanism for more easily accessing resources within the region, providing a more targeted point of contact at the regional level and serving as a catalyst for bringing states together to maximize existing strengths, resources and needs.
Will the Regional Resource Centers be assuming responsibility for all aspects of the Credentialing Process?
The role of the RRC's with the Credentialing Process is to provide support and technical assistance with preparing for the Credentialing Process. PCA America will continue to maintain responsibility for coordinating site visits, training and working with the Peer Reviewers and coordinating the Credentialing Panel's responsibilities for credentialing sites.
If my State or Site is Part of a Regional Resource Center does this mean that we can no longer contract services with a trainer from another part of the country?
There is a wealth and breadth of resources within the HFA Network to draw upon. The RRC's are not intended to limit access to these resources or to stifle the value of working with individuals and/or groups that can provide services and supports that are needed by any state or site. The goal is to provide a more organized mechanism for accessing these resources and ensuring that more states and sites are aware of existing resources and supports.
Will there be any fees associated with services provided by the Regional Resource Centers?
There will be fees associated with the services provided by the Regional Resource Centers. These are reflective of fees currently charged for services such as attending core training, contracting with a trainer to provide a core training or seeking technical assistance from another state, state leader, etc. Each state or site will work directly with their RRC to determine an appropriate fee structure and process for working with one another.
Will the Regional Resource Centers be responsible for the Train the Trainers Institute (T3), Certification of Trainers and Advanced Training?
These training functions will remain the responsibility of PCA America and will continue to be coordinated through the national office.
My State or Site is not Part of a Regional Resource Center - does this mean that I can no longer access HFA training, technical assistance or support?
If your state and/or or site is not part of a RRC then you will continue to work with the national office to receive any support in the areas of training, technical assistance, quality assurance, credentialing, etc. that you need. The national staff will continue to maintain their current responsibilities in these areas and your communication processes with the staff will continue as they have in the past.
Questions About the Regional Resource Centers?
If you have any questions about the Regional Resource Centers or would like additional information please contact Meri Pohutsky, americalls@aol.com.
