Help Me Grow Call For Proposal Application Response To Questions: 1/14/09 Conf. Call Site Search

Overview | Call for Proposals | Programs | Initiatives | Project Sites | Team | Links Help Me Grow National Replication Project Many states have some of the necessary component for a comprehensive, coordinated system of early identification and referral with children at risk for developmental and behavioral problems. However, few have been able to create a system that is integrated, comprehensive and effectively connects families to services. The Connecticut Help Me Grow program (a program of the Connecticut Children’s Trust Fund) has successfully implemented system-wide changes at the state level in order to support children and families at the local level. It has been replicated in Polk County, Iowa and Orange County, California. Through a grant funded by The Commonwealth Fund, the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center will be providing support to five states over the next two years. (Link to sites). By working collaboratively with a wide range of programs that serve children and families, Help Me Grow has created a cost effective, efficient, and user friendly buttress for all children. One telephone call begins a process that ensures that children are assessed, screened, and referred to a program or service that meets their needs. Help Me Grow has four, interrelated core components: Enhancing early detection and early intervention for children at risk for developmental and behavioral problems through supporting child health providers, child care providers, and parents in effective developmental surveillance and screening. Creating and maintaining a resource inventory of community-based programs and services addressing children’s developmental needs and supporting families’ capacity to promote their children’s optimal development. Linking at-risk children and their families to early childhood programs and services through a single point of telephone access and effective care coordination and outreach. Performing data collection and analyses of children’s developmental status and resources to identify gaps and capacity issues and advocate for system strengthening and reform.