Discusses the professional learning and competencies that need to be shared among individuals who are responsible for the ongoing care and education of young children.
Summarizes the findings of a random-controlled crossover evaluation of the Early Childhood Consultation Partnership (ECCP), a statewide system of early childhood mental health consultation in Connecticut. A detailed version is provided in the Final Report.
Provides a description of the emerging evidence base that many of the beliefs and much of the current body of knowledge about consultation is grounded in literature and the experiences of mental health and early care and education (ECE) providers, educators, and other experts (i.e., practice-based evidence).
Highlights efforts under way in several federally funded Project LAUNCH sites where local programs are testing the effectiveness of including an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant as part of the home visiting services.
Discusses emerging research points to the importance of supportive supervision, fidelity monitoring, and organizational climate to support home visitors and maintain support for the evidence-based program. Additional research on these topics can provide guidance and tools for promoting successful implementation of evidence-based home visiting and adaptation of program models to different populations and contexts.
Describes how the Evidence Based Home Visiting cross-site evaluation is examining fidelity across a range of home visiting models. Program administrators can use fidelity data to demonstrate that public investments are achieving required service delivery levels associated with positive child and family outcomes. Systematically monitoring implementation across models can help state and local planners maintain quality standards and identify any need for adaptation to successfully engage and retain the target population.
Presents evidence from research that shows that Home Visiting programs work and ultimately save money for taxpayers. A number of studies find evidence of effectiveness across a spectrum of family support programs in a variety of areas, including reduced health care costs, reduced need for remedial education, and increased family self-sufficiency.
Highlights key findings from research to build the evidence needed to inform policymakers' decisions and to advance effective practice in home visiting programs and identifies opportunities for program improvements in states and for further study.
Proposes competencies requisite for providing mental health and substance abuse services in pediatric primary care settings and recommends steps toward achieving them.
Focuses on the need to increase behavioral screening and offers potential changes in practice and the health care system as well as the research needed to accomplish this.
