Saturday, 15 January 2005 - 10:00 AM

This presentation is part of: Effects of Service Integration on Substance Abuse, Child Welfare and Mental Health Outcomes

Integrating Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Services: The Results from Starting Early Starting Smart

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of Starting Early Starting Smart (SESS), a collaborative partnership between the Substance Abuse and Mental Healath Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Casey Family Programs, that seeks to integrate behavioral health services focused on making it easier for families with young children to obtain needed behavioral health services within their communities. Design: Twelve sites in nine states implemented the SESS model, which focuses on building trust and rapport with families to support understanding of behavioral health issues and utilization of available services. Sample: SESS integrates behavioral health servcies -- including substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, parenting education and family support -- within customary services settings frequented by families with young children, including early childhood settings and pediatric primary care offices. Analysis: Qualitative and quantitative analyses reveal limited, but promising results of the intervention. Findings: Relative to the comparison group, SESS participants (1) were more likely to access and use services; (2) improve home environments; and (3) improve the socio-emotional and cognitive development of children. Implications: Barriers to service access can be overcome with integrated programs that include co-located staff, home-visiting and on-site services.

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