PATH Alliance Services
A major reason for affiliation with PATH is to obtain the benefits of a multi-state, multi-service organization, while retaining the flexibility and autonomy of an independent organization.
PATH Alliance endeavors to make each of its affiliates better by providing operational support, a shared treasury, policies and procedures for best practice, and a commitment to support each other through advocacy, research, and development.
Operational Support:
PATH Alliance provides management services to support the operations of affiliate agencies. These services are based on a formal service agreement between PATH Alliance and the individual affiliates. Some services are provided directly by PATH Alliance employees, while others are contracted. The following are the management services provided:
Information Technology
Financial Management
Human Resources
Policies and Procedures:
PATH has a well-defined set of service guidelines for the operation of quality foster care and family based programs. It is not required that each affiliate adhere to all these policies. Yet, they serve as a powerful record of what has worked. The materials are solid guidelines for developing new policies and procedures and for writing or reviewing documents such as:
Foster parent manuals
Foster parent orientation and training guidelines
Board and advisory board manuals
Human resources manuals
Best practice statements for placement of youth with special needs like dual diagnosis, history of sexual offense, or significant medical care
Shared Treasury:
Each of the PATH affiliates has committed a portion of their assets to be used by all affiliates for securing a line of credit and for borrowing between affiliates. This shared commitment is recognition of the unique nature of private child welfare, where payment often comes after services are provided.
Each affiliate retains responsibility for managing their budgets. Yet, the shared treasury can make a huge difference in helping independent affiliates deal with the ups and downs of a demanding business. In addition, agencies that share a portion of their reserves take a greater interest in each other. There is a true sense of wanting to help each other succeed, that goes beyond information sharing and encouragement. Being a PATH affiliate actually involves sharing resources to better serve kids and families
Adherence to Standards:
PATH is committed to the standards and accreditation process of the Council on Accreditation for Services to Children and Families (COA). Agencies joining PATH through affiliation are considered to be accredited as part of PATH. Therefore they must also be committed to meeting the accreditation standards. PATH Alliance works closely with affiliates to help them attain or maintain COA standards in their practice. PATH Alliance also takes the lead in preparing the PATH-wide Accreditation Self Study and in assuring adherence to COA standards.
Advocacy, Research, and Development:
One of the most significant services provided by the PATH Alliance is leadership in areas of advocacy, research and development. The information system maintained by PATH Alliance (Evolv) is a powerful management and research tool. PATH Alliance staff assist affiliates in using this information for use in all areas of management. The PATH Alliance staff are also involved with development of new programs and advocacy for services at national and local levels.
Communication and Coordination:
While PATH services to children and families are widely dispersed, the PATH Alliance serves as the "central office" or "headquarters" for many PATH operations. While we like to avoid terms like "headquarters", we know that checks are mailed from PATH Alliance and much information is funneled through the office. Therefore PATH Alliance has significant responsibilities for communication and coordination.
PATH Alliance staff organize system-wide committees like the Evolv Steering Committee, and the Human Resources Committee. They also organize or coordinate PATH-wide meetings around best practice and coordinate regular meetings of the PATH leadership. PATH Alliance prepares regular newsletters or updates for PATH employees and publishes a newsletter to help the community better understand PATH services.
