This paper analyzes nineteen federal policies that address factors that place a child from birth to six years of age at risk for emotional problems. Learning objectives include identifying the degree to which the legislative intent and implementation of federal policies impact the identified risk factors, analyzing the direction of the impact and developing recommendations for federal policy change. The authors reviewed federal legislation and regulations, government documents, scientific papers, government and foundation reports and conducted twenty-five telephone key informant interviews.
The study finds that changes in the organization and financing of health care delivery coupled with the complex interaction of federal policies that address young children impact the efficiency and effectiveness of federal policy responses to risk factors. Medicaid's relationship to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Parts B and C highlight this point. The multiplicity of agencies addressing similar concerns creates fragmentation and difficulty in coordinating efforts to ensure that all young children's emotional and behavioral health needs are met.
Equally important are the gaps in federal policy and the inadequacy of federal programs to reach all young children. Devolution of policy making to the state level presents challenges. Established roles are changing and new relationships among levels of government must be negotiated. Increasingly, states have greater flexibility in designing programs and delivering services. The authors conclude that a seamless, multidisciplinary system of early childhood health care that transcends traditional federal policy boundaries must be designed and implemented.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participants will be able to: 1. Identify nineteen federal policies which impact on the emotional development of children from birth to six years of age. 2. Assess the degree to which the legislative intent and implementation of federal policies impact risk factors. 3. Analyze the direction of the impact. 4. Develop recommendations for federal policy change
Keywords: Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Federal Policy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Federal government
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: This research was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.