1. New Mexico Family Infant Toddler Program CAPTA and referrals of children at risk

2. CAPTA - NM Part C Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program Background New Mexico is one of only a few states serving children at-risk and their families Biological / Medical Risk (diagnosed condition incl. low birth weight, prematurity, chronic otitis etc.) Environmental Risk (2 or more factors incl. substance abuse, abuse / neglect, mental illness, domestic violence, homelessness etc.)

3. CAPTA - NM Part C Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program Background (cont.) Referrals prior to CAPTA from Children Youth and Families (CYFD) have doubled from 319 in 2004 to 613 in 2005 Potential CAPTA referrals is 1,300 (number of substantiated abuse / neglect of children birth to three)

4. CAPTA - NM Part C Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program Environmental Risk initiative ICC focus area within strategic plan NECTAC work plan process Initiative included: Eligibility and risk assessment tool Recommended practices and TA document CAPTA referral process

5. CAPTA - NM Part C Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program CAPTA work (thus far…) Draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Children Youth & Families Department (CYFD) Joint memo to Child Protective Service workers and FIT Providers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document Referral form developed Decision to conduct full developmental evaluation on all children referred (not screening)

6. CAPTA - NM Part C Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program CAPTA work (in progress) Joint training planned for March 2006 CAPTA – the referral process + MOA Breakout sessions for CYFD and FIT Program Small group – work on case study scenarios Development of web based course or self study (in order to train new staff ongoing) Flowchart of child welfare process Implications of mandated referrals related to substance abuse (new IDEA requirement)

7. CAPTA - NM Part C Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program CAPTA opportunities CAPTA is more than just the referral – it promotes the need to address issues related to the ongoing relationship between child welfare and Part C, incl: Surrogate parents / custody issues Court issues / testimony and subpoena of child record Visitation and role of biological parent in early intervention Release of information / confidentiality / privacy

8. CAPTA - NM Part C Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program Lessons Learned Develop relationships with key child welfare personnel at the State level Promote opportunities for communication at the community level The partnership benefits both parties CAPTA brings to the surface a lot of issues about working jointly at the local level with children in the child welfare system

9. CAPTA - NM Part C Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program Lessons Learned (cont.) Promote CAPTA in the context of brain development and child development research that recognize that abuse and neglect and multiple placements can impact a child’s development NOT “this is Federal mandate that we now have to follow…” CAPTA and IDEA 2004 provide an opportunity to promote a focus on child development within the child welfare system