Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Receives Technical Assistance Grant for Early Childhood Mental Health

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Department of Human Services Secretary Ted Dallas announced the department is a recipient of an Intensive Technical Assistance grant through the Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) as a tool for promoting mental health and school readiness. IECMHC improves children's lives by supporting their social, emotional, and behavioral health and development.

The grant is a three-year technical assistance opportunity structured to assist 12 states, tribal communities, and United States territories in advancing their IECMHC toolkit including planning, implementation, evaluation, and sustainability efforts.

"The department is always working to provide access to high-quality services to all Pennsylvanians and we look forward to participating in this important grant focused on our most important asset, our children," said Dallas. "This toolkit will help shape practices and policies to further advance the good work the commonwealth is doing."

The IECMHC toolkit will guide states by helping them:

• Implement effective models of IECMHC;
• Increase equality and reduce disparities;
• Set competency standards;
• Communicate key messages;
• Conduct meaningful research and evaluation; and
• Develop strategies for financing.

The IECMHC is an evidence-based approach that supports parents and other adults who work with young children in the place where children learn, play, and grow. IECMHC helps to strengthen teacher-family relationships, identify children at risk for behavioral, developmental, or mental health difficulties, increase caregiver and provider skills, and help families access additional services when needed.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in partnership with the Health Resources and Services Administration for Children and Families, established the IECMHC in September 2015. For more information on the IECMHC, click here.

MEDIA CONTACT: Rachel Kostelac, 717-425-7606

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us