Helping Young Families Thrive

The screening form is simple but has the power to change a family’s life. Questions relate to social determinants of health, including whether a family worries about having enough food or is dealing with adverse housing conditions such as lack of heat, a rodent infestation or leaky pipes.

“This process allows us to connect families to care, wraparound services and resources,” says Brooke Goodwin, social work team lead for the Clark Parent & Child Network Community Health Educator & Outreach Core at Children’s National Hospital.

The primary care program supports families with children from birth to age 3 who live in Washington, D.C., communities with the greatest needs. Goodwin collaborates with teams at our Goldberg Center. She recently followed up with a mother who needed help related to both housing and a lack of childcare that prevented her from working. Goodwin connected her with a caseworker who continues to support the family and with community organizations that offer childcare at a reduced cost.

“Life is hard when you experience challenges meeting your most basic needs,” Goodwin says. “We are all human despite our different resources. Our program wants to empower families to succeed and focus on their health and well-being. Sometimes all it takes is basic support and relatability.”