The new tele-health equipment at Juvenile Services (JS) now allows staff members to accommodate clients who need support in connection with behavioral health and education but face barriers to meeting in person.
Lack of easy access to transportation is one of those barriers.
“We recognize that the lack of reliable transportation is a real barrier for some of the people we serve,” said Marissa Woodmansee, JS executive director. “When transportation options are available, we encourage clients to use them.
“However, we also have to be realistic by offering virtual options to ensure we meet clients’ needs.”
In addition to transportation issues, JS staff members are noticing a trend with young people who are more at ease with a virtual meeting.
“This type of virtual interaction decreases the client’s anxiety and, of course, it is more convenient,” Woodmansee commented. “Clients can meet with us from the comfort of their home or anywhere else for that matter.”
So far, one of the main uses of the new equipment entails collaborating with partners across the state to conduct specific client assessments.
“It is also going to come in handy for our Parent Project,” Woodmansee noted. “This program has demonstrated in recent years to be a good first step to supporting families facing minor and not-so-minor issues at home.
“The new tele-health option now makes Parent Project available to those who cannot travel to Great Bend once a week for 10 weeks. We want to do all we can to help families find the support they need.”
Barton County completed the grant application and JS received approximately $110,000 with the support of the county. The funds came from the Telecommunications Program, Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program also played a role. It helps rural areas access health and distance-learning services.
“This collaborative process is another great example of local, state and federal cooperation that results in greater service opportunities for youth and families,” Woodmansee commented. “The collaboration with our judicial-district counties is always beneficial because it promotes partnerships with entities such as Central Kansas Community Corrections and health departments.”
The funds were used for hardware, cyber-security software, special licenses, laptops, smart board, wiring, ports, adaptors and more.
20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake & Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.
