IRIS: The Basics
New to IRIS? Here are all the basics you need to know!
IRIS: The Basics
The Challenge
Supports and services across a community can be difficult to access and navigate. Improving how families access help requires service providers to work together under a shared vision and with a commitment to transform the way they make connections.
A Community-Led Solution
IRIS is an online bi-directional referral tool that streamlines communications between community providers offering services to individuals and families. IRIS helps partners identify available resources, make referrals, and monitor whether families receive the help they choose. However, technology alone does not create solutions. Commitment, collaboration, and accountability shape the change and generate successful connections for families. The IRIS approach guides communities to facilitate that change themselves.
People Powered
- Community-based leadership
- Co-created approach
- Dedicated implementation team
- Peer learning with leaders across IRIS networks
Technology Enabled
- Closed referral loops
- Customized forms
- Real-time notifications
- Organization capacity indicator
Data Driven
- HIPAA compliant
- Data owned and managed by the community
- Meaningful reporting
- Support for data-driven decision making
What to Expect
The IRIS approach leads with collaboration and trust, centering the community every step of the way. With support from the IRIS team, leaders within the community guide partners through designing and implementing their IRIS network. Partners are encouraged — and expected — to share their voice throughout the process.
Why IRIS?
IRIS was founded by the Center for Public Partnerships & Research (CPPR) at the University of Kansas. Built upon evidence-based practices, and supported through collaborative relationships, the team has supported the launch of more than 30 IRIS networks since 2016.
IRIS is a community referral platform that keeps efficiency in mind and takes families to heart.
