On July 16, the Commonwealth Fund released a report examining efforts to develop systems for early identification and intervention of children with mental illness.  The report examines systems in Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island and identifies common strategies for innovation that may be applicable to other states.  Additionally, the report suggests that states develop resources clearly delineating their early identification and intervention systems’ funding sources to reduce duplication of effort and increase cost-sharing and cost-effectiveness.

From the abstract:

This report examines the efforts made in Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island to develop mental health systems of early identification and intervention for children from birth to age 5. While each state is in a different stage of development, together they provide a picture of progress and opportunities for national change in this evolving area of health care. The study focuses on the process of change and identifies common strategies for achieving innovation. State profiles, examples of major initiatives, and descriptions of exemplary practices illustrate ways that states can improve services and policies. Conclusions underscore the value of articulating a national vision of comprehensive infant and early childhood developmental and mental health systems of care, in which child and family well-being are promoted and needs are identified and treated as early as possible in life.

Full report: State Case Studies of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Systems: Strategies for Change (PDF | 300 KB) 

The Commonwealth Fund. (2010). State case studies of infant and early childhood mental health systems: strategies for change. Lyman, D.R., Holt, W. and Dougherty, R.H.