Advocacy Agenda to Improve Part C EI Services for PA

IV. Priority Recommendations (continued)

Issues and Solutions related to Outreach, Referral, and Evaluation (ORE) Please note that the first recommendation found in priority 3, achieving equitable access in Part C EI, is relevant to the overall recommendations in this section. The recommendation is to increase outreach, referral, enrollment, and support for families of color and those who speak a language other than English; additional information is found in the equity section.

ORE 1. Strengthen support for education, outreach, and participation

Gaps in the Part C EI processes for outreach, referral and enrollment result in infants and toddlers not getting the services from which they could benefit. Providers and parents reported challenges for some families in navigating the process. Strengthen support for education, outreach, and participation of families in EI through a) introduction of EI navigators and family ambassadors to support education, outreach and participation, and b) education and outreach with home visiting, community health, grandparents, frontline workers addressing homelessness, those working with immigrant and refugee families, to build awareness of the benefits of EI and facilitate linkages to EI.

Issue

Solution

Administrative Additional funding may be needed for new initiatives

Type

ORE 2. Design a clear and effective pathway from maternal depression screening

Children with depressed mothers are at higher risk for developmental delays. Gaps in processes lead to missed opportunities for treatment and early intervention. Design a clear and effective pathway from maternal depression screening to EI referral and services for the child, including education for EI professionals and support and referrals for the birthing parent to be connected to services.

Issue

Solution

Administrative and legislative Additional funding may be needed for implementation

Type

ORE 3. Improve linkages between pediatric primary care providers and EI

Pediatric primary care providers are not consistently informed about results of their referrals to Part C EI or what is included in Individualized Family Service Plans among those infants and toddlers found eligible. Improve the linkages between pediatric primary care providers and the Part C EI system (e.g., close the referral loop so that pediatric primary care providers know what happened after referral; share information about the child’s IFSP; build knowledge of pediatric associations, MCOs and others about understanding of EI and how it works, encourage pediatric providers to participate in local interagency coordinating councils).

Issue

Solution

Administrative Minimal additional funding needed

Type

June 2022

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