Page 13 - BTC Yearbook 2016

Besides the ILTs, the team focuses on transitions and complex systems that families have to
navigate. For example, health care providers wanted to know more about Child Protective
Services so a full-day session was developed with policymakers to explain their roles and
resources and how family-serving professionals could support families navigating these systems
(e.g., family court, child support, children’s mental health, incarceration, school readiness.) In
2001 Dr. Michelle Snyderman and the Touchpoints team developed the Children’s Health
Passport which continues to be distributed to families of newborns at Wheaton Franciscan Health
Care – All Saints both in English and Spanish.

Since 2012 data was collected at the Racine County Jail for two research studies focused on
Children of Incarcerated Parents. Preliminary results from the studies conducted with the
University of Wisconsin-Madison were shared at a 2013 conference and 2015 forum. The
Touchpoints Team worked with Racine County Jail administration to make it easier for families
to understand how children can communicate with their parents including visits. Racine County
recently launched a new website with more information on visitation and links for parents.

Numerous partners supported the project over the years. Since 2000 United Way of Racine
County provided funding for workshops and training and since 1997 Racine County and the
University of Wisconsin – Extension provided in-kind support.