Implementation and process evaluation of Starting Early Starting Smart.
Follett, Chantal C.
2004
Abstract
Starting Early Starting Smart (SESS) is an innovative service integration approach for adding behavioral health services (i.e. mental health, substance abuse prevention/treatment, parenting/family services) for families to primary health care and early childhood settings. The goal of SESS is to improve child socio-emotional and cognitive functioning by addressing the mental health and substance use needs of families. At Southwest Counseling and Development Services (SWCDS), SESS has been integrated into three programs: New Steps, a substance abuse treatment program, Even Start, a family literacy program, and CHASS a primary health care clinic. The purpose of the current study is to assess how well the SESS program has been implemented at each of these sites and whether SESS services have resulted in increased use of health and behavioral resources by families. The key research questions were: (1) to what extent did SWCDS successfully implement the SESS program model; (2) how were behavioral health and other services integrated into the three host programs; (3) how has SWCDS structured and delivered services adhering to the SESS philosophy of family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent services; (4) are care coordination services delivered with fidelity to the SESS model; (5) do clients report increased access to, use and satisfaction with behavioral health and other needed services. Data were collected from staff interviews, chart reviews, questionnaires and informal meetings with staff and field notes. Overall, SWCDS was successful at implementing the SESS program. Staff integrated assessment and treatment services, care coordination and behavioral health services into the three host programs. The degree of integration achieved varied by the host agency. SWCDS implemented intake and treatment procedures that were family-centered and strengths-based. Family members were included in treatment session and received referrals for other services. The chart review indicated that most clients had frequent contact with the SESS clinician and received facilitated referrals for other services. Clients reported that their child(ren)'s medical and mental health needs were being met; however several mothers did not feel that they had received the medical and behavioral health services they needed. Results indicate that community-based agencies can effectively implement the SESS service integration model and change their service delivery systems. When service integration is successfully implemented, families have increased access to behavioral health and other needed social services.Subjects
Implementation Process Evaluation Program Evaluation Service Integration Starting Early Starting Smart
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