Community Partners

Full participation and inclusion in the community are essential to optimal well-being for children and their families. Community organizations such as schools, health/wellness, sports, arts, recreation, social, cultural and faith-based services provide supports for families and contribute to the growth of children.   The LEND curriculum focuses on community competencies with multiple strategies. Trainees acquire knowledge about community services and policies through courses, didactics, and guest speakers. Trainees apply this knowledge with their clinical teams by referrals and contacts with patient services, written plan of care, and case conferences. LEND trainees also complete a community project assignment in collaboration with a specific community partner organization. Competencies addressed in the Community Partnerships include:

• Interdisciplinary team building

• Working with communities and systems

• Policy and advocacy

• Negotiation and conflict resolution

Each year, community partners that are working with LEND faculty identify a topic and product that will be useful to their organization. Examples include training materials, brochures, special events, or webinars. During fall term, LEND trainees are assigned to a community organization and LEND faculty liaison for the community organization. Trainees will provide interim progress reports during the spring term. A final product and report are due in April. The total time spent on projects and organizational meetings should not exceed 6 hours per month. There will be scheduled time monthly to work on community projects but additional time beyond LEND scheduled time is usually necessary to meet interim deadlines for projects.