Child Welfare and Early Intervention: Policies and Practices to Promote Collaboration and Help Infants and Toddlers Thrive

Based on case studies in three states (CO, RI, and TX), this brief examines promising strategies to address the developmental and mental health needs of infants and toddlers involved in Child Welfare (CW). Due to family adversities, trauma, maltreatment, and separation from primary caregivers, these infants and toddlers are at substantial risk of poor social-emotional, behavioral, and learning outcomes. While many systems should be engaged in efforts to promote the well-being of these infants and toddlers, this brief focuses primarily on the roles of state and local CW and Part C Early Intervention (EI) agencies. Additional support from other sectors and settings (e.g., mental health, home visiting) are highlighted in the context of efforts by CW and EI agencies to help connect children and families to programs that meet their needs. The recommendations at the end of this report point to ways that strengthened policies and investments could help ensure wide use of strategies that promote the well-being and healthy development of infants and toddlers experiencing early adversities. [This work was prepared with the assistance of True North Group.]