Project Description:
The FOCUS Program, funded through the Department of Health, Family Infant Toddler Program, provides supports and services for families of children aged birth through three years considered to be at medical or biological risk, or environmental risk for developmental delay. The program provides a continuum of interdisciplinary services that integrates primary health care with an array of services that include: home visiting, case management/service coordination, developmental assessment and infant mental health intervention, parenting skills and support groups, legal representation from UNM Law Clinic community referrals and support. The FOCUS service model helps to support families with children at the very highest risk for abuse and neglect because of family substance abuse, mental illness, family violence or unsupported teen parenting in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia and Torrance Counties. FOCUS provides supports and services that improve life conditions for young children and families by strengthening family capacity to foster protective behaviors for their children, providing culturally appropriate service strategies, collaborating with the community on behalf of the families and maximizing access to quality services. The service delivery team includes pediatricians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, case managers/service coordinators, developmental specialists, occupational therapists, and speech and language pathologists. Nationally recognized model programs (National Center for Children in Poverty) that have demonstrated, through evaluations and research, lower rates of violence and drug use in the home, greater interaction between caregiver and child, and enhanced social-emotional development of the child. Cost-effective prevention and intervention programs that research has shown saves $8.00 in the future for every $1.00 spent now. Program consultation and training is offered statewide.
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Reservation, Rural/Remote
