DHS Prevention Pilot Project
Project Description:
The DHS Prevention Project is an intergovernmental services contract between the University of Arkansas-UCEDD and the Arkansas Department of Human Services funded with American Rescue Plan, Section 9817 funds. It includes three components for Medicaid eligible children: the Prevention Stabilization & Support Project for Young Children (PSSP-YC), Families in Transition Teams (FiTT), and Comprehensive Screening & Assessment for Children (CSAC).
PSSP will target children birth through 6th grade who are at risk of losing placement (home or school) due to challenging behaviors. Priority will be given to children in foster care or newly adopted to prevent disrupted placements.
FiTT will target children who are involved in a major life transition such as those with complex medical needs discharging from acute care; entering or exiting foster care or moving between foster homes or
being adopted; being removed from an early education or preschool setting because of behaviors; newly identified with a complex medical condition, ASD, FASD, or IDD and in crisis; discharging from justice-involved settings; or experiencing a mental health crisis and need support to remain in home and community setting.
CSAC will focus on building a screening and assessment model that supports interdisciplinary assessments that are comprehensive, accurate and available in the community. The initiative will build capacity across the state so families can get accurate and early diagnoses that drive appropriate services, avoiding waiting lists that are sometimes 12-18 months long. There wil be a focus on identifying fetal alcohol spectrum disorders since these conditions are highly prevalent, especially in the foster care system, and are significantly under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed.
The activities of this project are guided by values including a belief that inclusion and belonging should be the outcome for all children; that treatment in natural settings produces the best outcomes; that services and supports should be family centered, interdisciplinary and culturally respectful; that the approach to services and supports should empower caregivers to provide and guide their children's services and should encourage not replace natural supports.
Keyword(s):
Adolescent Health, Mental/Behavioral Health – Autism, Child Maltreatment, Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood – Developmental Health (including developmental screening), Early Childhood – General, Emergency Services for Children – General, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Mental/Behavioral Health – General , Preventive Services, Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Special Health Care Needs, Mental/Behavioral Health – Substance Use Disorder(s)
Core Function(s):
Performing Direct and/or Demonstration Services, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services
Area of Emphasis
Quality Assurance, Education & Early Intervention, Child Care-Related Activities, Health-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
