NatCon24, presented by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, is a leading national conference catering to behavioral health and mental health professionals. Taking place from April 15-17, NatCon is an excellent way to connect within the industry and learn more about the latest emerging technologies. Our team was able to attend and exhibit for the first time, sharing knowledge of PlanStreet’s behavioral health case management software. PlanStreet’s Impact at NatCon  NatCon24 took place from April 15-17th in beautiful St. Louis. It featured a wide array of key note speakers, including ..read more

SNAP, or Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, provides food benefits to low-income families by supplementing their grocery budgets so that they can afford nutritious food essential to health and well-being.  What is SNAP program?  The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly Food Stamps, is the most extensive federal nutrition assistance program. SNAP benefits eligible low-income individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card, which can be used like a debit card to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores.  Who is eligi ..read more

 The Child Support Program, enacted in 1975 as Part D of Title IV of the Social Security Act (P.L. 93-647), is one of the most extensive income support programs in the country, serving more children than the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Social Security combined. It is open to all children living apart from their parent. Child support services include locating noncustodial parents, establishing paternity, establishing and enforcing support orders, modifying orders when appropriate, and collecting and disbursing child suppor ..read more

As we step into another year, the need for nonprofits to adapt to current trends is crucial. Let’s look at the trends shaping our world and the future of social work.  Technological Advancements  In 2024, the nonprofit sector will continue to undergo significant transformation with the integration of artificial intelligence. AI tools increase efficiency by streamlining workflows, automating tasks and content creation, analyzing donor behavior, crafting personalized communications, and optimizing donor segmentation in real-time. AI also supports strategic, data-driven decisions, prov ..read more

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) awards grants to fund justice programs that benefit communities in the U.S. and U.S. territories. DOJ expects the funds to be used only for intended purposes and within the established guidelines. As a grantee, your organization must provide adequate safeguards to prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement of federal funds. Proper management of award funds leads to better allocation of funds and helps to prevent misuse.   What are common types of grant fraud? These are some common types of grant fraud identified by the DOJ:  Conflict of i ..read more

What Is a Child Advocate?  A child advocate is a social worker who helps and support to children in difficult family situations, often involving neglect and abuse. Their responsibilities include spending time with a child, interviewing their teachers, doctors, and family members, and attending court hearings. Advocates may also provide counseling, recommend substance abuse programs, or help find a child foster placement. After reviewing the case file, they suggest the best step for the child’s health and safety.  What is a Child Advocate? Child Advocates perform child advocacy functi ..read more

Child advocacy consists of individuals, professionals, and advocacy organizations who speak out about children’s best interests. An individual or organization engaging in advocacy seeks to protect children’s rights, which may be abridged or abused in several areas due to several circumstances, including domestic, physical, and sexual abuse and neglect. The Idea: The birth of Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) began when former congressman Robert Cramer identified the lack of communication between social services and criminal justice services in cases of abused children. His idea spread and ultimate ..read more

Social work is built into American society as we know it. It provides resources that help disadvantaged communities receive what they need to live safe, healthy lives and pursue the American dream with dignity. Social workers work directly with some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations to address a wide range of issues. In doing so, they can provide practical, empathetic, and complex insights into their needs, translating into policy proposals and expanded social support for needy people.  So, how did social work begin? And how did social work become a profession?  The evoluti ..read more

The bottom line is of utmost importance for every non-profit organization. As an NPO, you must maximize the money acquired through grants and donations to further your cause. One of the crucial ways to streamline expenses is through smart decision-making. You need to know how your data affects your decisions.  For example, with fundraising: do your donors respond better to emails or when called on the phone? These little nuances maximize the time and money spent. However, the literature reveals that non-profits don’t know how to utilize Power BI reporting because of a lack of experience ..read more

In today’s tech-savy world, new technologies are revolutionizing the future of home-centric senior care.  Despite the increased use of technology in the senior-care field, the growing number of senior citizens, combined with the decrease of people going into senior healthcare, are generating concerns amongst the industry.   The ratio of available healthcare assistants for every senior citizen is dwindling. This downward drift is attributed to the increasing demographic numbers of those over 60. This cohort will experience impending growth in the next decade at speeds that are 56% hig ..read more