The aim of this project is to develop and pilot implementation of specific tools and strategies meant to increase the number of young children and their families (target population) who receive behavioral health and specialty infant and early childhood supports. The key partners in this project are two primary care sites in Clatsop and Columbia counties who serve young children and their families, and two mental health agencies (Columbia County Mental Health (CCMH) and Clatsop Behavioral Health (CBH) who have specific staff that provide specialty infant and early childhood mental health services.
Goals: There are four primary goals for the project:
- Enhance Primary Care Processes Related to Identification and Provision of Behavioral Supports and Follow-Up Referrals to Mental Health: To support this goal we will develop tools, trainings, and curriculum in order to enhance internal behavioral supports and referrals to infant and early childhood mental health.
- Enhance Mental Health Agencies Child-Specific Processes Related to Assessment and Care Coordination– To support this goal we will develop tools and training to CBH and CCMH that support enhanced assessment for the target population, and enhanced communication and coordination between mental health and primary care.
- Implement Tools Developed to Identify Barriers, Successes and Refinements. To address this goal we will support implementation of tools by the two primary care sites and mental health agencies. This implementation support will include on-site, monthly support to learn about barriers and to identify refinements and improvements that may address barriers identified.
- Compile Tools and Strategies for Others. To support this goal we will develop a compendium of tools to be used to spread within these and other communities.
