UC partners join communitywide effort to improve outcomes for children and families

UC partners join communitywide effort to improve outcomes for children and families

Donald P. Klekamp College of Law and UC Corrections Institute among groups pledging support

The University of Cincinnati is part of a new collaboration of community agencies and local government partners aimed at strengthening support for vulnerable children and families across Hamilton County.

Thirteen organizations are part of the newly formed Hamilton County Child & Family Systems Partner Collaborative dedicated to working more efficiently together to reduce barriers for families, connect them with support early on and improve delivery of services. The involvement is aimed at lessening family interaction with child protection or juvenile justice systems.

WLWT covered a signing agreement ceremony for the partnership of organizations.

The University of Cincinnati is contributing expertise from the UC Corrections Institute in the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services and the Donald P. Klekamp College of Law, which partners with Hamilton County Clerk of Courts to operate the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Help Center in downtown Cincinnati.

"Simply knowing someone at another organization, because we meet together every month, enables more intentional connections for kids and families, and the ability to move beyond siloed referrals," explains Nicha Zingarelli, director and chief attorney at the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Help Center. "Different organizations swim in different circles. Coming together allows us to share different ideas, experiences, and potential access to funding sources that may not be on another group's radar. That collaboration leads to better solutions for kids and families."

Jennifer Scott, director of innovation and outreach for UC Corrections Institute, says that UC and its community partners are helping advance a shared vision of identifying service gaps, improving access to resources, and creating a more efficient, coordinated system of care for children and families. Collaborative leaders emphasize that many families' needs span multiple systems, making strong cross-sector partnerships essential to achieving lasting impact.

"The Hamilton County Child & Family Systems Partner Collaborative demonstrates what is possible when community organizations, public agencies, and the university work together to address complex challenges," adds Scott.

"We are honored to be part of an effort that leverages shared expertise and collective responsibility to improve outcomes for children and families in our communities," says Scott. "As the collaborative continues to grow, the partnership reflects the University of Cincinnati's commitment to community-engaged scholarship and the belief that meaningful change happens when education, research and practice come together to address society's most complex challenges."

View the full WLWT story on the Hamilton County Child & Family Systems Partner Collaborative online.

Representatives from 13 organizations shown following the signing agreement for the newly formed Hamilton County Child & Family Systems Partner Collaborative. Photo provided.

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