Guilford County commissioners receive update on project to improve delivery of social services

Guilford County is working to finalize a data integration project that could better help residents navigate its social services.

The Integrated Service Delivery Project aims to streamline resources from the county and other providers in areas such as behavioral health. It also looks to improve the current system of referrals, simplify intake efforts, and allow for more coordination between departments, according to a presentation before the Guilford County Board of Commissioners on Thursday.

Assistant County Manager for Quality Government Jason Jones says community organizations would not be forced to use the system once adopted.

"They don't want us to come in and redefine what they're already doing," Jones says. "They just want us to be a good partner."

According to the presentation, the county would develop a data platform to better share information. The board allocated $10 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for the initiative in 2022.

Jones says one of the next steps is finalizing a contract to replace current case management software for aging and adult services and presenting that to the board within the next two months.