Early Childhood Systems of Care: A Conceptual Model and Overview of Implementation in Select States
For the past three decades, states have been building systems of services and supports for social-emotional development and addressing early behavioral health issues that comprise early childhood systems of care. This brief presents a conceptual model for understanding early childhood systems of care and discusses opportunities and challenges for local, state, and federal program leaders to make the strategic investments that support a continuum of care. To illustrate these concepts, the authors highlight work that has been undertaken by grantees in the areas of mental health promotion, prevention, and treatment for infants, toddlers, young children, and their families.
Overlapping Sectors of Early Childhood Systems of Care
The dimensions, or sectors, that early childhood systems of care align to deliver comprehensive infant and early childhood mental health services and supports include health care; mental health care; early care and education across a mixed delivery system; child welfare; early intervention and early childhood special education for children with or at-risk for disabilities and delays; and family advocacy and support.
Early Childhood Systems of Care: A Conceptual Model and Overview of Implementation in Select States
Administration for Children & Families (ACF) • childcareta.acf.hhs.gov
