System of Care

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System of Care

A System of Care (SOC) is a group of public and private organizations, providing formal and informal supports, who share core values about how to help support the needs of youth and families.

What is a System of Care?

System of Care is a comprehensive spectrum of effective services and supports for children, youth, and young adults with or at risk for mental health or other challenges and their families that is organized into a coordinated network of care, builds meaningful partnerships with families and youth, and is culturally and linguistically responsive in order to help them to thrive at home, in school, in the community, and throughout life. A system of care incorporates mental health promotion, prevention, early identification, and early intervention in addition to treatment to address the needs of all children, youth, and young adults.

System of Care Core Values
  • Comprehensive spectrum of effective services.
  • Individualized to meet unique needs of the youth/individual/family.
  • Based on family strengths and goals.
  • Family/youth/individual driven.
  • Culturally and linguistically responsive. 
System of Care Guiding Principles
  • Comprehensive array of services and supports.
  • Individualized, strengths-based services and supports.
  • Evidence-based practices.
  • Trauma-informed.
  • Data driven accountability.
  • Least restrictive natural environment.
  • Partnerships with families and youth.
  • Interagency collaboration.
  • Care coordination.
  • Rights protection and advocacy.
  • Behavioral health integration.
  • Developmentally appropriate services and supports.
  • Public health approach.
  • Mental health equity. 
The Impact of System of Care
  • Engages services upstream.
  • Improved communication.
  • Braiding of funds.
  • Increased accessibility of services.
  • Family/youth/individuals are engaged and involved.
  • Individualization of services.
  • Innovative solutions.
  • Positive outcomes for youth/families/individuals involved in multiple systems.
Historical System of Care Partners
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Health and Senior Services
  • Department of Education
  • Division of Youth Services
  • Juvenile and Family court
  • Advocate organizations
  • Child/individual
  • Children's Division
  • Family members
  • Family organizations

Locate a System of Care

Get Involved

Start a System of Care
  1. Review System of Care 101 and the Evolution of the System of Care Approach.
  2. If available, connect with a nearby System of Care.
  3. Connect with other organizations serving children and youth who share core values.
  4. Share System of Care 101 with other child-serving organizations.
  5. Set regular meeting dates.
  6. Identify how families can connect with your SOC.

For more information on setting up a System of Care, please contact JJ Gossrau. 

System of Care Virtual Office Hours

Office hours are dedicated periods of time set aside by seasoned System of Care (SOC) professionals ready to meet with individuals or small groups. These sessions provide an open, informal, space to ask questions, seek guidance, share concerns, or receive support.

Key Features of Office Hours:

  • A time for youth, families, or service providers to consult with SOC staff about services, referrals, or concerns.
  • Personalized Support: One-on-one or small group interactions tailored to specific needs or questions.
  • No Formal Agenda: Flexible time to focus on topics brought up by attendees.
  • Confidentiality: Because office hours are open to everyone, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. It is a request of the facilitators and strongly encouraged that all conversations about SOC are kept private and respectful.

For questions, please contact JJ Gossrau

Occurs the third Tuesday of every month beginning October 20, 2025 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Join System of Care Office Hours Virtually

System of Care Events

Please send events to JJ Gossrau.

Resources

Enhanced System of Care Resources: Early Signs and Symptoms of Psychosis

Systems of Care - Community for Early Signs and Symptoms (SOC-CESS) was a grant funded initiative designed for youth and their families. The goal was to utilize early intervention including youth and family psychoeducation, family support providers, youth peer support, clinical interventions, and to make policy changes to better work with youth at risk of psychosis. 

Learn more and review resources.

Additional Resources

Quick Overview of Systems of Care

System of Care Manual
The System of Care Manual includes an introduction on the System of Care and details on local guidance. That includes start up, engagement, and outcome information. The manual is available on request by emailing JJ Gossrau.

Contact Information

JJ Gossrau, Director of Young Adult Services

314-877-0383