Identifying Children and Responding Early (iCARE): A School, Family, and Community-based Behavioral Health System

Identifying Children And Responding Early (iCARE) is a system to identify children between the ages of 6 and 11 who are at risk of behavioral health problems and provides effective, culturally competent preventive interventions in three settings: school, family and community. iCARE combines early identification and assessment with a continuum of preventive behavioral health interventions. System elements include: 1) A validated universal assessment to identify at-risk children completed by teachers; 2) A school-based Talking and Learning Center  to help de-escalate crises, assist students with problem solving, skill building and conflict resolution;  3) Referrals to a variety of interventions including mental health treatment and community supports through the utilization of a Wraparound approach to behavioral health services; and 4) Use of the Ohio Scales to assess children’s progress.  To date, twenty-three percent of the children assessed (439 of 1917) have been identified as at risk for behavioral health problems.   Pre and post intervention worker Ohio Scales completed by teachers indicate a decrease in severity (p=.0002) including fewer problematic behaviors, less depression, better interpersonal relationships and self-direction, higher motivation and overall well-being among children served by iCare. Pre and post intervention parent Ohio Scales also indicate a decrease in severity (p=.04). Both teachers and parents report high satisfaction with the initiative’s efforts.  iCARE has demonstrated that responding to children and families with comprehensive preventive services and emphasizing the importance of mental health treatment results in significant improvement and reduced severity of behavioral health problems for children.