Family Partner Integration An Alameda County Initiative for an Integrated Birth to Five System of Care

Learning Objectives Early Childhood Mental Health Education Family Partner Integration Strategies Impact of Family Partners on Parents of Young Children

Early Connections Family-Driven Care Family members are the authority in making decisions about their children. Early Connections recognizes that: Choice: Families have a choice in who they partner with when they either seek services, or are mandated to receive services from mental health providers. Authority: Partnership exists when there is shared agreement between a provider and family member to work together in the interest of the child and they are equally yoked. Family-driven care means that family members are the ultimate decision makers for their child, even if providers don’t agree with their decisions. Provider & System Accountability: Providers and staff within child-serving agencies in the system of care honor the spirit of family-driven care, both explicitly and implicitly in their interactions with families at the service, governance and system level.

Prevention & Early Intervention Mental Health Services Act of California …“To define serious mental illness among children, adults and seniors as a condition deserving priority attention, including prevention and early intervention services and medical and supportive care.”

Infant Mental Health The healthy social and emotional development of a child from birth to 3 years A growing field of research and practice devoted to the: Promotion of healthy social and emotional development Treatment of the mental health problems of very young children in the context of their families Prevention of mental health problems

Early Childhood vs. Children’s Mental Health Early Childhood Young children cannot be treated without caregiver’s presence Typically treated in the home Older Children Children can be treated without caregiver’s presence Typically treated in office or school setting

OH, BABY!

Child Development Social Emotional Milestones Smiles at people—2monthsPlays with parents—6monthsNervous with strangers—12monthsCopies others—2years

Family Partner Roles Mentor families in need of services Member of child and family multi-disciplinary team Bridge cultural gaps Emotional support Family Partners = mentorship and support vs. clinical interventions and treatment

Early Childhood Family Partner Work Family Referral by Clinician Parent Education on Child Development Ages & Stages Questionnaire Screening Parental Supportive Services Parent /Child Work with other children in the house hold

Challenges Providers understanding the need for Family Partners Defining Family Partners roles in Early Childhood Medi-Cal billing challenges

Family Partner Billing Request technical assistance specifically for Early Childhood Orgs. with Family Partners Continued defining of Family Partners’ roles Writing treatment plans to include Family Voice and Family Partner services

Family Partner Billing Request technical assistance specifically for Early Childhood Orgs. with Family Partners Continued defining of Family Partners’ roles Writing treatment plans to include Family Voice and Family Partner services

Victories Agency culture shift Expand Family Partner Program to older children

Key Considerations Family Partner billing vs. Clinician billing Advocacy for Family support services to meet medical necessity

Thank You! Tanya McCullom: Deb Yates: