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Early Childhood
Mental Health Consultation & Therapeutic Services
DESCRIPTION:
In 2007-2008, First 5 Contra Costa will allocate a total
of $1,222,600 to support the following programs:
EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTATION:
Three nonprofit community agencies implement the Child Care
Solutions program, which aims to create continuity of care
by providing training and support for child care providers.
In this program, mental health specialists observe children
struggling with mental health, social, emotional, and developmental
problems enrolled in licensed child care, develop effective
solutions for problems with parents and providers, and refer
children in need to early intervention services to help improve
their long-term development.
EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH THERAPEUTIC SERVICES:
The same nonprofit agencies, along with County Mental Health,
provide mental health therapeutic services to children exhibiting
or at-risk of social, emotional, behavioral, and developmental
problems. “Wraparound” services are provided in
cases of high need or complexity. Wraparound provides a system
of care in which families’ unique needs are addressed
in a team setting, with a strength-based and culturally co
mpetent framework. Wraparound and Mental Health Services are
available at no cost for children who have Medi-Cal insurance
or qualify for First 5 funding.
PROGRAM SPECIFICS:
CONSULTATION:
Community Served:
Countywide
2007-2008 Allocation:
$580,237
Contractors:
Early Childhood Mental Health
Contra Costa ARC/Lynn Center
We Care Services for Children
THERAPEUTIC SERVICES:
Community Served:
Countywide
2007-2008 Allocation:
$546,363
Contractors:
Early Childhood Mental Health
Contra Costa ARC/Lynn Center
We Care Services for Children
Contra Costa Health Services, Mental Health Division/
Children’s Mental Health
RESULTS:
• Since 2002, 1,280 children with mental health, social,
emotional and developmental problems were served by mental
health specialists in licensed child care sites. Last year,
over half of the children remained in their child care program,
while 30% transitioned to a program more beneficial to their
development, and 20% were referred to a school district for
further assessment.
• Eighty-six percent of surveyed providers agreed that
the service improved their ability to care for the child and
92% would know what to do if they cared for another child
with similar behavior.
• Since 2003, 600 children with severe mental health
needs and their parents received specialized mental health
therapuetic services. Parents served last year showed improvements
in their parenting skills and their ability to respond appropriately
to their child’s needs. Nearly 90% of children who exited
the program remained at home with their parents.
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