IV. Priority Recommendations (continued)
ORE 4. Change the child abuse and neglect referral process
Infants and toddlers with substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect are not always getting effective screening, referrals to Part C EI, and/or multi-disciplinary evaluation (MDE), despite risks to them. Change the child abuse and neglect referral process. Currently, requirement to do developmental screening for all infants and toddlers with substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect may be by referral to Part C, done by child welfare, or otherwise. Instead, require county children and youth agencies to refer all infants and toddlers with substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect for screening and MDE, including all domains of development. Those not found eligible based on MDE would move to the at-risk tracking group in Pennsylvania.
Issue
Solution
Administrative and legislative Changes may be required in policy and funding
Type
2 Ensuring Part C EI services Assuring quality for Part C EI programs begins with the foundation of a quality framework and system design already employed in Pennsylvania. Such foundational features include broad eligibility criteria, clear regulations, support for workforce development, consistent implementation, and adequate financing. Participants in this review process mainly discussed the importance of offer quality needed to make a difference (Q)
workforce training and sustainability, particularly as the state implements the evidence-based coaching model, which requires all EI providers and service coordinators to learn new ways of working with families. In addition, Part C EI providers are not compensated for the professional development time that is essential to quality service delivery. Since many EI professionals work as contractors to local agencies, ensuring adequate support for professional development, while essential, is more complex. The ability of multiple EI providers in the team to deliver services together, at one time with the family, was also raised as a key concern. Many infants and toddlers in Part C EI also spend time in early care and education settings. Both EI and child care providers discussed the challenge of cross-system collaboration to maximize the effectiveness of the services they deliver to infants and toddlers. While Part C EI services are being delivered in child care and other early education settings, detailed roles/responsibilities and support structures would lead to more effective partnerships. The Part C EI program is grounded in communities, with counties playing a critical role in its administration. Yet review participants identified challenges stemming from significant inconsistencies
June 2022
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