title: Unique system of care issues and challenges in serving children under age 3 and their families.
abstract: This article addresses the primary modifications necessary for system change to better meet the mental health needs of children under the age of three. The role of risk and resiliency factors in the young child, family and community and the necessity for a comprehensive community infant-family mental health system with a focus on the whole family are addressed. Barriers to care within early childhood systems of care are examined, including stigma, community referral and collaboration, diagnostic concerns during infancy, issues around family engagement, empowerment and partnership, funding of comprehensive and well coordinated infant-family services, workforce capacity and evaluation. Recommendations for implementation of system changes at the community and federal levels are proposed.
authors.affiliation: Keck School of Medicine, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, University of Southern California, Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA. kfinello@chla.usc.edu
authors.forename: Karen Moran
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Finello
authors.forename: Marie Kanne
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Poulsen
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D005190:Family; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000592:standards; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008603:Mental Health; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012017:Referral and Consultation