IV. Priority Recommendations (continued)
Issues and Solutions related to Mental Health
MH1. Ensure social-emotional-mental-behavioral health (SEMBH) is integrated into all EI processes—from the Multidisciplinary Evaluation, to the Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP), and ultimately the services provided
Federal and state Part C EI laws include a focus on development in social-emotional-mental health. In terms of social-emotional-mental-behavioral health, however, parents and providers reported gaps in screening, evaluation, and IFSPs. Ensure social-emotional-mental-behavioral health (SEMBH) is included in each of these Part C processes: all multidisciplinary evaluations (MDE) as part of determining eligibility; social-emotional- behavioral health as a standard component of IFSP; and SEMBH services are included in the IFSP and are delivered to infants and toddlers in a timely manner.
Issue
Solution
Administrative Some new funding needed
Type
MH2. Ensure county MH/DD agencies are creating a clear pathway to early childhood mental health services, whether through Part C or other mental health services
EI providers and other stakeholders report local level gaps between Part C and mental health (MH) services. The effectiveness of operations varies among counties. Opportunities exist to structure closer collaboration and referral pathways and provide greater consistency and equity. Ensure the county agencies responsible for Part C and MH/DD collaborate to develop capacity to support very young children eligible for MH services and are linking and creating a clear pathway to access Part C and SEMBH services (e.g., using oversight, contracts, data, financing, etc.).
Issue
Solution
Administrative Minimal additional funding involved
Type
MH3. Increase opportunities for service coordinators and EI providers to obtain the infant-early childhood mental health (IECMH) credential
Current workforce capacity is insufficient to ensure access to social-emotional-mental health services for infants and toddlers. Increase participation of the EI workforce (service coordinators and EI providers) in the infant-early childhood mental health (IECMH) training and credentialing process and support their continued professional development.
Issue
Solution
Administrative and legislative Additional financial resources required
Type
MH4. Include IECMH consultants as part of evaluation and service delivery
IECMH consultants can advise other providers and programs about how best to address families’ needs in terms of SEMBH. In particular, support is needed from IECMH consultants to providers and service coordinators in the Part C EI program. Deploy IECMH consultants, including service coordinators and providers that have completed the IECMH credential, to partner with the EI workforce in the evaluation process and in service delivery to ensure that EI therapists and service coordinators get the benefit of IECMH consultation.
Issue
Solution
Administrative and legislative Additional financial resources required
Type
June 2022
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