Family Network presents needs assessment identifying housing, safety and behavioral‑health gaps

Julie Moschino, coordinator for the Calvert County Family Network, presented a two‑part needs assessment to the Student Safety and Well‑Being Advisory Committee on Feb. 19, highlighting gaps in housing, school safety, childcare and behavioral health across Calvert County. The assessment combined 102 survey responses with key‑informant interviews and two focus groups, including a 12‑youth session at East John Youth Center.

"People want to live in a community where they feel respected, where they're valued, access to resources, and where there's opportunity," Moschino said, summarizing themes that appeared across the qualitative and quantitative work. The Family Network uses a results‑based accountability approach and receives an annual allocation administered through the Governor's Office for Children.

Moschino described recommendations raised by participants: increase outreach and awareness of existing services to prevent program attrition, improve cross‑agency collaboration to reduce duplication, recruit specialized providers locally to avoid out‑of‑county travel, and expand access to childcare and early‑learning programs. She told the committee the full 150‑page report is available on the Family Network website and that the board will vote next week on a three‑year strategic plan and funding priorities.

Committee members pressed for clarity on how the assessment will translate to county priorities and funding. Moschino said the report is intended as a resource for partners and for grant applications; she encouraged committees to use the findings to inform their subcommittee strategies and to elevate priorities to agencies that control funding.