AI Agents Could Supercharge Family Navigators… One Day

AI agents have the potential to support navigators in a multitude of ways, but is the technology ready to handle these critical tasks? Learn more about how AI might shape the future of family support.

by Gregory Sherrow

March 4, 2025

A number of videos showcasing two AI agents efficiently creating and confirming reservations for a humans are making the rounds. This technology highlights the potential for AI to streamline communication and problem-solving. Imagine applying this concept to our 100% Family Centers: One-stop Service Hubs.

For those unfamiliar, the 100% Family Center aids families with locating and getting the most out of vital services in their area. These services include medical/dental care, behavioral health care, food security programs, housing security programs, transportation services, parent supports, early childhood learning programs, youth mentor programs, and job training. Navigators at these centers play a crucial role in connecting families with the services they need.

An AI agent tool is a force multiplier for those family center navigators, allowing them to support far more families than they could on their own… in theory, at least. Keep in mind when you watch the video that this isn’t available yet, and the example shown is a conversation between two AI agents simply to demonstrate the potential. Additionally, the AI agent as appointment scheduler and researcher would work when communicating with humans, no strange gibberish language required.

You may have already experienced something similar. Many large organizations now use an early, less sophisticated version of this to schedule appointments with you via phone or text. A better-trained AI agent helping families and supporting Family Service Center navigators takes this idea to a new level.

Here are some ways in which an AI agent could significantly enhance the work of the 100% Family Centers.

Efficient Information Gathering: AI agents could be designed to quickly gather information about available services, eligibility criteria, and program updates. This would free up navigators from time-consuming, yet vitally important, research, allowing them to focus on direct interaction with families.
Personalized Recommendations: AI agents could analyze a family’s needs and generate personalized recommendations for services, ensuring that families are connected with the most appropriate support.
Streamlined Communication: AI agents could facilitate communication between families, navigators, and service providers. For example, an AI agent could schedule appointments, send reminders, and relay important information, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of miscommunication.
24/7 Availability: AI agents could provide support to families outside of regular business hours, ensuring that help is always available when needed.
Data Analysis and Insights: AI agents could analyze data on service utilization and identify trends, helping centers to improve their programs and better meet the needs of the community.

I engage with multiple AI platforms and AI-based solutions every day. Would I trust an AI agent to get everything right and not schedule me for the wrong service at the wrong time? No, not yet. It’s an emerging technology, as I said. One day it might be ready. When that day comes, our hope is that the promise of AI can be used to help all of New Mexico’s families thrive.

Gregory Sherrow

Gregory began as an educator, but his early career sharply veered off into the world of information technology and web-based enterprises, giving Gregory decades of experience in creating educational, nonprofit, and commercial technology solutions. He has architected learning management systems for the Data Leaders for Child Welfare program in New Mexico, Connecticut, and New York City;

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