Developmental Understanding and Legal Collaboration for Everyone (DULCE) Overview
Developmental Understanding and Legal Collaboration for Everyone (DULCE) is an initiative of the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP). DULCE is a universal approach based in the pediatric care setting that proactively addresses social determinants of health, promotes the healthy development of infants from birth to six months of age, and provides support to their families. The brief includes information about DULCE and its purpose, team structure, approach, and impact.
DULCE is informed by CSSP’s commitment to equity as an anti-racist organization. CSSP works toward a just society in which all families, youth, and children thrive, and DULCE moves this agenda forward through systems changes that address the social determinants of health. DULCE embodies a belief that all children and families should have the support they need for healthy development.
Components of the DULCE Approach
- A community-based, early childhood organization
- Well-trained, supervised Family Specialists
- A team that honors families’ needs and priorities
- A legal partner
- Clinics located in communities that can benefit most
