Targeted case management is an essential human services practice focused on providing individualized support and care coordination to clients with complex needs. As a case manager, you take on a critical role in helping high-risk individuals access necessary services, progress toward their goals, and lead healthier, more stable lives. What Is the Purpose of Targeted Case Management? Targeted case management emerged as a best practice for working with individuals struggling with multiple, interconnected issues. While general case management provides basic care coordination services, targeted case management offers more individualized support. The main purpose is to identify clients at greatest risk for poor outcomes and provide tailored services to address their complex needs. It prevents them from falling through the cracks in the human services system and not receiving adequate care. Federal requirements have set criteria to identify and serve eligible individuals for targeted services, ensuring that resources go where they're most needed. Some examples of individuals who may benefit from targeted case management include: Those with chronic mental illnesses or substance use disorders Individuals recently released from prison Individuals and families experiencing homelessness Elderly patients with health concerns Children and youth in foster care Without intensive, wraparound services, these vulnerable clients are more likely to cycle in and out of jails, hospitals, and treatment programs. Targeted case management aims to provide stability, improve quality of life, and reduce recidivism. Targeted Case Management vs. General Case Management So, what sets targeted case management apart from general case management approaches? There are a few key differences: Intensity of services: Targeted case management involves frequent face-to-face contact, sometimes weekly or daily check-ins, depending on client needs. General case management may only require a few set periodic meetings with clients. Comprehensiveness: Targeted case managers coordinate care across various life domains like healthcare, housing, legal issues, finances, and employment. General case management may focus on just one or two service areas. Duration: Targeted case management provides long-term support and monitoring, sometimes for years, depending on the client. General case management typically involves short-term connections. The Role of Targeted Case Managers in Providing Tailored Support Targeted case manager duties include getting to know clients deeply as individuals so that you can create tailored plans that meet their unique needs and goals. You'll work one-on-one with clients over an extended period to: Conduct comprehensive assessments covering their health histories, trauma backgrounds, family dynamics, education levels, and more. It helps you understand the full picture. Identify priority areas for intervention based on their strengths, challenges, and aspirations. Develop highly individualized case plans outlining specific services, support, and timelines. Directly provide services like crisis counseling, skills training, or family mediation. Coordinate and monitor various services by community providers. Build trusting relationships that motivate and encourage clients through obstacles. Celebrate incremental progress and successes. You'll customize the full suite of services around each client's values, culture, responsibilities, and vision for the future. No two targeted case management plans look exactly alike. By getting to know clients intimately, you can walk alongside them, advocate for their needs, and help them navigate complex systems. Your partnership, empathy, and case management skills are key to targeted case management outcomes.