Developing a Statewide System to Link Families with Community Resources
<p>Finding the right intervention services for children who have, or are at risk for, developmental problems can be challenging. In Connecticut, the <em>Help Me Grow</em> program assists families, primary care practices, and other providers with identifying developmental or behavioral concerns in children and connecting parents with essential services. A new <a href="/publications/publication/2010/sep/how-develop-statewide-system-link-families-community-resources">Commonwealth Fund manual </a>offers guidance to other states looking to replicate the successful Help Me Grow system and improve care coordination services for children and families. </p>
<p>The components of <em>Help Me Grow</em> include: </p>
<ul>
<li>a statewide toll-free telephone number that providers and families can use to access care; </li>
<li>partnerships with community-based agencies throughout the state; and </li>
<li>child development community liaisons who help connect families and providers with services.</li>
</ul>
<p>Written by Paul Dworkin, M.D., and colleagues at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center, the manual covers administrative oversight, outreach to primary care providers, call center development and data collection, community involvement, and evaluation methods. Overviews of replication efforts in Colorado, Kentucky, New York, Oregon, and South Carolina are also included. </p>
<p>To apply for technical assistance to become a Help Me Grow replication site, go to <a href="http://www.connecticutchildrens.org/body_dept.cfm?id=92&fr=true">http:/…;. </p>
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