Initiative 3: Information & Referrals (IRIS)
By working collaboratively to strengthen local service delivery, AOK Networks improve system performance and outcomes for children and families.
In 2019, the Kane County AOK Network identified the need for a more efficient, coordinated referral system to support a holistic approach to community care, leading to the launch of the Integrated Referral and Intake System (IRIS). This system improves access to quality services, strengthens coordination, promotes equity by reducing common barriers, and generates data that benefits both providers and families.
Launched countywide among cross-sector providers in March 2021, IRIS now includes more than 250 organizations and has connected community members to needed services nearly 14,000 times. Its continued expansion supports data-driven decision-making and ongoing quality improvement aligned with family needs and system capacity.
“IRIS is proving to be a powerful, user-friendly, and data-driven tool for community systems improvement,” said Kane County AOK Network Coordinator Kim Peterson. “It helps identify Kane County’s specific strengths and needs, while increasing collaboration and communication among providers - strengthening our ability to serve individuals and families more comprehensively.”
