The Chicago Model of Case Management

The model of case management in the Chicago EMA is unique in the United States because of its coordinated system. This means that each client in the system has only one case manager who is trained to provide the client with a wide variety of services and referrals depending on the client’s needs. The coordinated system also allows for standardized training of all case managers along with one set of Standard Operating Procedures for use across the entire system.

As a part of the coordinated system, AFC utilizes a central database of client demographic and contact information which gives AFC the ability to report out on unduplicated client encounters. The goal of case management is to be a standardized process of assessment, case planning, service coordination, referral, advocacy, and follow-up through which the multiple service needs of people affected by HIV disease are met.

In our role as the coordinating body for case management, AFC:

• Solicits, administers, and reports on public and private funds for case management through quarterly reports to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), which funds AFC’s Ryan White Part A case management, transportation and emergency assistance
• Establishes contracts with direct-service agencies
• Develops and administers policies and procedures (to see a copy of the Standard Operating Procedures, click here)
  Maintains a central client database
• Ensures quality and consistency of case management services by having new case managers attend a 40 hour Competencies Training, and attend 12 twelve skills building trainings each year (to see the Competencies Training, click here)
• Provides bi-lingual information and referral
• Provides training and technical assistance (to see a list of the AFC sponsored trainings, click here)
• Provides staff support to Coop Governance structure

AFC has strived to be the leader in providing services appropriate to our clients’ changing needs. As a part of this, AFC participated in an evaluation of the case management system in 2003. To see a copy of the final report, click here.

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History of Chicago Case Management

Evaluation of Chicago Case Management System (pdf)

From October 2007- AFC Implements New Continuum of Case Management