Start Off Smart is a non-profit agency that has been serving residents of South Miami-Dade County since 1991. The combination of services provides a holistic approach to meeting the community’s needs. SOS works as a multidisciplinary team that coordinates community-based services.

Referrals are accepted from Law Enforcement, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, DCF, the Court system, community-based agencies, faith communities, and self-referrals. All referrals pertaining to residents of South Miami-Dade County, Homestead, and Florida City are accepted. Once a referral is received, contact is made with the family, an assessment is completed, and local support services are provided. The most frequent requests for assistance are for child abuse and neglect, sexual abuse and exploitation, substance abuse, domestic violence, ungovernable children, mental health services, human trafficking, child chronic absenteeism, child disruptive behaviors, housing, parenting, elderly abuse and neglect, homelessness, and food insecurity. Funding for the operation of SOS is provided through grants and in-kind donations.

SOS utilizes best practices in Care Coordination that begin at program intake and include developing a family care plan that addresses the service needs of families/youth. Plans are regularly updated as families are expected to be engaged until identified referrals and services are completed. Care coordination is guided by a jointly developed care plan to establish goals, coordinate clinical and other services, address safety issues, and garner family support. Care coordination may include home visits to assess living conditions and engage the youth and family in relation to family goals and success in the program, including monitoring and documentation of participation and progress. Families with multiple, complex challenges benefit from a team approach to services, and care coordination helps families to organize and align their team. The team is an integrated network of service providers and natural supports that leverages partners’ resources to holistically address the needs of families and improve outcomes.