Community Connections Coalitions are 21 partnerships that bring community services, community leaders, residents, and others together to talk about how to build stronger and healthier families and neighborhoods. Coalition members teach each other about local strengths, determine what is needed and missing and work with others to get the funds, services and resources their communities need.
Community Connections Coalitions develop annual action plans focused on organizing comprehensive family support, based on four core functions that:
- Facilitates a process for community-wide involvement, dialogue, and action on behalf of families and children
- Mobilizes formal and informal resources to integrate resources to fill gaps and ensure that families have access to needed support
- Educates the public about the importance of family support and advocates for needed resources
- Engages the local DCF Area Office, contracted service providers and other state and local agencies in a process to promote community connected child welfare practice that aligns with DCF’s strategic priorities
