Child Focus Inc

HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START

HEAD START: FULL YEAR PART DAY HANDICAPPED TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START

HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START

INFANT-TODDLER COURT PROGRAM - AWARD OPPORTUNITY: INFANT TODDLER COURT PROGRAM- STATE AWARD HRSA-22-073 ADDRESS: 415 HAMBURG TURNPIKE SUITE D2, WAYNE, NJ 07470 PROJECT DIRECTOR NAME: ERICA KASLANDER PHONE# 973-832-4002 FAX# 973-706-8892 EMAIL: ERICA@PASSAICCOUNTYCASA.ORG WEB: HTTPS://WWW.NJSAFEBABIES.COM GRANT FUNDS REQUESTED: $3,125,000 OVER 5 YEARS, $625,000 TOTAL COST PER YEAR. WE ARE PLEASED TO REQUEST FUNDS TO BUILD CAPACITY FOR, SUSTAIN, AND EXPAND THE INFANT TODDLER COURT PROGRAM (ITCP) IN NEW JERSEY AT A PIVOTAL TIME IN ITS ESTABLISHMENT. THIS PROJECT IS BEING IMPLEMENTED BY THE ORGANIZATION PASSAIC COUNTY COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (PC CASA) THROUGH ITS NEW JERSEY SAFE BABIES COURT TEAM (NJ SBCT) PROGRAM. WE PROPOSE TO SERVE THE APPROXIMATELY 2,000 CHILDREN IN NJ, AGES 0-3, WHO ARE IN FOSTER CARE EACH YEAR DUE TO ABUSE OR NEGLECT, AND THEIR FAMILIES. THESE CHILDREN EXPERIENCE SIGNIFICANT TRAUMA DURING THE MOST CRITICAL PERIOD OF BRAIN DEVELOPMENT, WHEN FOUNDATIONS OF COGNITIVE AND MENTAL HEALTH ARE FORMED. UNFORTUNATELY, OUR CURRENT CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM IN NJ IS FRAGMENTED, INCOMPLETE, AND ESPECIALLY LACKING WHEN IT COMES TO SERVICES FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS. NJ SBCT WAS LAUNCHED IN OCTOBER 2020 TO ADDRESS THESE CRITICAL NEEDS. USING THE RESEARCH-DRIVEN SBCT MODEL DEVELOPED BY THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, ZERO TO THREE (ZTT), WE HAVE ESTABLISHED 3 PILOT INFANT TODDLER COURT (ITCS) SITES IN PASSAIC, ESSEX, AND HUDSON COUNTIES. OUR GOALS ARE TO: 1. INCREASE SPREAD, SCALE, AND COORDINATION OF ITCS IN NJ. 2. INCREASE TIMELY ACCESS TO TRAUMA-INFORMED FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES, EMPHASIZING PREVENTION & EARLY INTERVENTION. 3. IMPROVE POLICIES AND PRACTICE THAT: (A) SUPPORT NEEDS OF CHILDREN UNDER 3 & THEIR FAMILIES IN THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM; (B) PREVENT CHILD MALTREATMENT DURING THE PRENATAL-TO-3 PERIOD. 4. INCREASE USE OF EVIDENCE-DRIVEN STRATEGIES AND DATA TO REDUCE DISPARITIES. 5. BUILD CAPACITY FOR ITCP EXPANSION ACROSS NEW JERSEY. ZTT PROVIDED SEE D FUNDING, TRAINING, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT. WE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED ITC PILOT SITES IN PASSAIC, ESSEX, AND HUDSON, AND BEGAN ENROLLING FAMILIES IN AUGUST 2021, WITH THE HOPE OF EVENTUALLY EXPANDING ACROSS THE STATE. UNDER NJ SBCT, WE WORK CLOSELY WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF COURTS (AOC) AND THE NJ DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (DCF), WHO REFER CASES INVOLVING INFANTS AND TODDLERS TO US. WE THEN WORK CLOSELY WITH THE CHILDREN, FAMILIES, COURTS, CASEWORKERS, AND KEY COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS (E.G., HEALTH/MENTAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS) INVOLVED IN EACH CASE, TO FACILITATE TIMELY AND SAFE FAMILY REUNIFICATIONS WHENEVER POSSIBLE. SIMULTANEOUSLY, WE COORDINATE AND INFORM COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS, AS WELL AS STATE-LEVEL LEADERS, TO FOSTER A MORE COHESIVE, TRAUMA-INFORMED, CHILD WELFARE ECOSYSTEM IN NEW JERSEY, THAT IS SENSITIVE TO THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF OUR PRIORITY POPULATION. THE REQUESTED FUNDS WILL SUPPORT: (A) AN EXPERIENCED STAFF OF PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM MANAGERS, CASE MANAGERS, AND DATA ADMINISTRATORS WHO WILL WORK ACROSS SECTORS AND SYSTEMS (ESP. WITH THE COURTS, DCF, SERVICE PROVIDERS) TO SERVE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, AND TO BUILD A COHESIVE, INFORMED CHILD WELFARE ECOSYSTEM IN NJ. (B) DIRECT SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM, IN THE FORM OF TRANSPORTATION FARES AND BASIC NEEDS (E.G. DIAPERS), SO THAT THEY ARE BETTER ABLE TO REACH THE GOALS OF THEIR REHABILITATION AND FAMILY REUNIFICATION PLANS. (C) THE IDENTIFICATION OF CRITICAL SERVICE GAPS AND AREAS OF SYSTEMIC FAILURE AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVELS, AS WELL AS THE PROMOTION OF CHILD AND FAMILY-SERVING POLICIES AND PRACTICES.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN

HEAD START ARRA EXPANSION

COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING/CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING - CONSTRUCTION - CHILD FOCUS IS WELL POSITIONED AS A REPUTABLE PROVIDER WITH FOUR DECADES OF EXPERIENCE, EXPERTISE, COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS, AND FACILITIES TO SERVE AS THE HUB FOR CLINICAL SERVICES AND COORDINATION OF CARE IN RURAL SOUTHWEST OHIO. CHILD FOCUS’ OVERARCHING GOAL IS TO INCREASE TIMELY ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY INTEGRATED HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH PERSON CENTERED AND TRAUMA INFORMED, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE THAT IS WELL COORDINATED FOR ALL AGES. FUNDS WILL BE UTILIZED TO RENOVATE AND RETROFIT UNDER-UTILIZED AREAS OF OUR 20,000 SQ. FT. BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE FACILITY FOR INNOVATIVE 23-HOUR CRISIS STABILIZATION SERVICES FOR ADULTS THAT ARE EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO RESIDENTS OF CLERMONT, BROWN, HIGHLAND AND ADAMS COUNTIES IN OHIO. RENOVATION PLANS INCLUDE THE ADDITION OF BEDROOMS, BATHROOMS WITH SHOWERS, LAUNDRY ROOM, COMMON AREA, PANTRY AND KITCHENETTE, AND OFFICES FOR EXAMS, NURSES, MEDICAL STORAGE, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIRST RESPONDERS, PARKING LOT EXPANSION, CREATION OF A CLIENT/STAFF AND FIRST RESPONDER ENTRANCES AND THE ADDITION OF ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL, HVAC AND PLUMBING. THE CONTINUUM OF CRISIS SERVICES IN CLERMONT COUNTY IS QUITE ROBUST FOR RURAL OHIO INCLUDING A 24/7 HOTLINE, 24/7 MCT, AND MRSS. THESE SERVICES ARE READILY EXPANDING INTO BROWN COUNTY. A GAP IN THE CONTINUUM EXISTS IN THE AREAS OF CRISIS STABILIZATION AND INPATIENT SERVICES WHICH REQUIRE COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN CRISIS TO TRAVEL IN EXCESS OF ONE HOUR TO ACCESS SUCH CARE. THE GEOGRAPHIC BARRIER PREVENTS FAMILY INVOLVEMENT IN CARE AND REDUCES SUCCESSFUL RE-INTEGRATION INTO THE COMMUNITY UPON DISCHARGE. THE CURRENT USAGE OF CRISIS STABILIZATION SERVICES IS RELATIVELY LOW FOR CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES AND ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE SUGGESTS THAT TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS SKEW THE DATA WE HAVE TO SUPPORT THE NEED FOR LOCAL SERVICES AT THIS LEVEL OF CARE. EXCESSIVE EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS ARE A DIRECT RESULT, AS WELL AS JAIL AND LONGER-TERM INPATIENT CARE. CHILD FOCUS HAS DEEPLY ESTABLISHED PARTNERSHIP S AND MANY OTHER EMERGING PARTNERSHIPS WITH ENTITIES SUCH AS LAW ENFORCEMENT, HOSPITALS, INPATIENT AND RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES, COURT SYSTEMS, DJFS, WHICH WILL SUPPORT THE SUCCESS, UTILIZATION OF AND CAPACITY FOR CRISIS STABILIZATION IN THE CATCHMENT AREA. THE CLERMONT AND BROWN CRISIS HOTLINE, ASSOCIATED WITH THE NATIONAL LIFELINE AND 988, WILL SERVE AS THE COMMUNICATION HUB FOR TRIAGE. THE CHILD FOCUS VISION FOR CRISIS SERVICES ALIGNS WITH THAT OF OHIO MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION SERVICES: EVERY PERSON GETS THE RIGHT RESPONSE, IN THE RIGHT PLACE, EVERY TIME. OUR FRAMEWORK IS PERSON CENTERED AND DESIGNED TO SERVE INDIVIDUALS WITH COMPLEX BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISSUES AND/OR SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH. ALTHOUGH CHILD FOCUS SERVES PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND ALL TYPES OF CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC BACKGROUNDS, THE VISION FOR 23-HOUR CRISIS STABILIZATION IN MT. ORAB WILL SERVE ADULTS, AS WELL AS INDIVIDUALS WHO MAY NOT ACCESS SERVICES AT ALL WITHOUT CONSIDERABLE OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT, BY OFFERING MULTIPLE LEVELS OF CARE INCLUDING EMERGENCY WALK-IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH URGENT CARE WITH MEDICAL SCREENING, EVALUATION AND OBSERVATION CAPABILITIES BY A MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM. WE ENVISION A SPACE THAT IS SAFE, WELCOMING AND COMFORTABLE TO ADDRESS ACUTE CARE NEEDS. WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT PROVIDING SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITY AND CULTURE THAT IS NATURAL TO THE INDIVIDUAL WILL RESULT IN GREATER CONNECTION, EASIER ACCESS, MORE SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES AND COMPREHENSIVE CARE COORDINATION. CARE COORDINATION AND LINKAGE TO RESOURCES WILL BE PIVOTAL TO ENSURE SUCCESS AND MINIMIZE RECIDIVISM. WITHIN THE SAME FACILITY, CHILD FOCUS OFFERS INDIVIDUAL, GROUP, COUPLES AND FAMILY THERAPY AS WELL AS MEDICATION SERVICES. COMMUNITY BASED PEER SUPPORT AND CASE MANAGEMENT MAY BE LEVERAGED AT CHILD FOCUS AND WHEN OUTSIDE OF OUR SCOPE, THROUGH OTHER PARTNERS SUCH AS TALBERT HOUSE LOCATED DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET PROVIDING A FULL RANGE OF MH/SUD SERVICES

EHS 2009 ARRA EXPANSION

HEAD START: FULL YEAR PART DAY HANDICAPPED TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

STRENGTHENING THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE - THE OVERARCHING GOAL OF THE CHILD FOCUS (CF) STRENGTHENING THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE (SBHW) PROPOSAL IS TO INCREASE THE SERVICE CAPACITY AND ACCESS TO CLINICAL TREATMENT AND RECOVERY SUPPORT THROUGHOUT SOUTHWEST OHIO, A DESIGNATED BH WORKFORCE SHORTAGE AREA, BY INCREASING THE QUALIFIED WORKFORCE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE MINORITY POPULATIONS AND ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED INDIVIDUALS IN OUR SERVICE AREA THAT HAVE NOT BEEN ACHIEVED DURING THE PANDEMIC. CF WILL CREATE A PIPELINE OF QUALIFIED PROVIDERS INCLUDING CASE MANAGERS, MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALISTS, THERAPISTS, NURSES AND PSYCHIATRISTS TO SERVE INDIVIDUALS WITH SED/SMI/COD THROUGH VOCATIONAL SCHOOL AND POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS THAT WILL BUILD OUR WORKFORCE INFRASTRUCTURE, INCREASE THE DIVERSITY AND CULTURAL COMPETENCE OF THE WORKFORCE AND RESTORE AND EXPAND MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES FOR UNDERSERVED BH WORKFORCE SHORTAGE AREAS WHERE IT IS HARD TO HIRE AND RETAIN CLINICIANS. SEVERAL BARRIERS TO AN ADEQUATE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (BH) WORKFORCE SUPPLY EXIST, INCLUDING AN AGING WORKFORCE, A LACK OF NEXT GENERATION EMPLOYEES INTERESTED IN PURSUING CAREERS IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH-RELATED FIELDS AND THE DIFFICULTY IN RETAINING STAFF. THESE CHALLENGES ARE FURTHER COMPLICATED BY A NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE MIX OF PROFESSIONALS IS APPROPRIATE TO ACHIEVE THE BEST POSSIBLE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICE OUTCOMES. CHILD FOCUS PROPOSES TO SERVE 800 TOTAL INDIVIDUALS OVER TWO YEARS WITH SERIOUS AND PERSISTENT MENTAL ILLNESS, SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS, CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS AND CHILDREN/YOUTH WITH SERIOUS EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE, SERVING 400 IN THE FIRST YEAR AND 400 IN THE SECOND YEAR IN HAMILTON (URBAN), CLERMONT (SUBURBAN) AND BROWN (RURAL) COUNTIES IN SOUTHWEST OHIO. CF IS WELL-POSITIONED AS A REPUTABLE PROVIDER AND HAS THE EXPERIENCE, EXPERTISE, COLLABORATIONS AND FACILITIES TO SERVE AS THE HUB FOR CLINICAL SERVICES AND COORDINATION OF CARE. WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SBHW, CF HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO 1) REPLENISH DESIGNATED BH WORKFORCE SHORTAGE AREAS, 2) RESTORE AND REALIGN STAFF TO MEET THE GROWING NEED AS THE SURGE IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES CONTINUES POST-PANDEMIC AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICES BY ENHANCING STAFF HIRING, TRAINING, WELLNESS AND RETENTION, AND EXPANDING EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE, TELEHEALTH AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES. ACTIVITIES TO IMPROVE POPULATION HEALTH CARE OUTCOMES INCLUDE REDUCING CLIENT HOSPITALIZATIONS/ER VISITS AND CLIENT PROBLEM SEVERITY, INCREASING ACCESS TO EVIDENCE-BASED, CLIENT-CENTERED AND TRAUMA-INFORMED TREATMENT BH SERVICES, IMPROVING CLIENT FUNCTIONING AND INCREASING THE RETENTION, TRAINING, SELF-CARE AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY OF THE BH WORKFORCE.