Policy & Financing
Financing and sustaining infant and early childhood mental health consultation (IECMHC) services is a critical, yet daunting task. To help IECMHC program administrators and practitioners work towards these goals, the Center of Excellence has developed content and resources to support a strategic, multi-faceted approach. This section will explore how to pursue policies at various levels – including the program level – to support these efforts. In addition, this section provides access to information on funding streams and proven strategies as well as other pathways to sustainability.
Resource Spotlight:
These modules examine six pillars of sustainability for IECMHC programs. Each module provides context, proven strategies, success stories, and potential obstacles to consider when developing a sustainability plan.
Program Planning
Program Planning and Reflection Tool (PPRT) This program-level online assessment tool helps users evaluate progress in key IECMHC program implementation areas while providing guidance on how to put these elements into place. An entire domain is devoted to policy & financing and covers: defining a program; financial planning; adapting to changing conditions; champions & partnerships; communication & messaging; integrating IECMHC into systems; and policy. Users can complete an interactive version online, or simply download PDF versions for strategic planning. Access PDF files here: Policy & Financing PPRT Module (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) only | Entire PPRT (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) (all five modules).
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Cost Calculator This tool, from ZERO TO THREE, is designed to help mental health professionals, early childhood educators, program leaders and policymakers plan and budget for mental health consultation services. The resource features customizable cost estimates, scenario planning, and enhanced collaboration. The IECMHC Cost Calculator helps professionals plan effectively and ensure that program resources are directed to where they are needed most.
Sustainability Modules Initiating and ultimately sustaining IECMHC activities involves more than just having a great program. Strategic funding decisions and policy development can be critical to ensuring that IECMHC activities are integrated into established child-serving systems and have the potential to have a lasting impact. These interactive learning modules guide users through six pillars of sustainability. For a guided, in-depth overview of this resource, check out this webinar (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab).
IECMHC and the Early Childhood System
Overview of the IECMHC Approach within the Early Childhood System This resource provides an overview of how IECMHC fits within a larger early childhood system. It offers information on the different components of an integrated IECMHC approach and identifies important strategic partners.
Illinois’s Approach to Building and Sustaining IECMHC This brief focuses on how Illinois has utilized multiple funding sources and strategic partnerships across the state to build IECMHC into numerous early childhood systems. Lessons learned and action steps are provided.
Financing IECMHC Efforts
Financing Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation: Frequently Asked Questions This brief answers some frequently asked questions about funding for infant and early childhood mental health consultation, which can be a complex and thorny issue. The questions address important topics like state financing, Medicaid support, how to request funding for IECMHC.
Financing Guidance for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation This brief provides a deeper look into funding streams that states, tribes, and communities might access to support IECMHC services. The information within this resource was compiled using evidence from a literature review as well as interviews with leaders who have successfully accessed reliable funding for IECMHC. Specifically, this resource was designed to help teams gather the information needed to “set the stage” before making a funding request, to identify key strategies to support a successful request, and to follow up on a request once it’s been presented.
Michigan’s Approach to Funding IECMHC as a Medicaid Prevention Direct Service State leaders can use this information to explore a process and lessons learned for supporting IECMHC as a Medicaid Prevention Direct Service.
Funding IECMHC: Lessons Learned from Arkansas’s Project PLAY This resource provides an overview of Project PLAY, the statewide IECMHC program in Arkansas. Financing lessons learned are presented including information on the use of a pilot project, building infrastructure and partnerships.
Using Evaluation Data to Make the Case for Securing or Expanding IECMHC Funding (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) The Maryland State department expanded IECMHC funding based on positive outcomes and proven effectiveness. To learn more about designing high-quality program evaluations, visit the CoE’s Research & Evaluation page.
IECMHC Funding Tip Sheet: Engaging Foundations This tip sheet was designed to assist IECMHC programs applying for financial support from foundations. Information is provided on the process of applying for a foundation grant, what foundations are typically interested in, and how a program can prepare to respond quickly to these funding opportunities.
Sustainability
Initiating and ultimately sustaining IECMHC activities involves more than just having a great program. Strategic funding decisions and policy development can be critical to ensuring that IECMHC activities are integrated into established child-serving systems and have the potential to make lasting impact. These interactive sustainability modules identify five areas of sustainability to consider in addition to financing.
