title: Doctors and lawyers collaborating to HeLP children--outcomes from a successful partnership between professions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Clear associations exist between socioeconomic risks and health, and these risks are often amenable to legal interventions.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a case study of an implementation of a medical-legal partnership (MLP) in three pediatric primary care centers that serve a predominantly high-risk population. Referral circumstances and outcomes over the first three years are described.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the three-year study period, 1,808 MLP referrals were made for 1,614 patients by all levels of provider. Those referred were more likely to have asthma (p<.0001) and developmental delay/behavioral disorder (p<.0001) than the general clinic population. Housing (37%) and income/health benefit (33%) problems were the most common reasons for referral. Referrals led to 1,742 (89%) positive legal outcomes affecting nearly 6,000 cohabitating children and adults and translating into nearly $200,000 in recovered back benefits.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Successful MLP implementation enabled pediatric providers to address social determinants of health potentially improving health and reducing disparities.
authors: Melissa D
authors: MD
authors: Klein
authors: Andrew F
authors: AF
authors: Beck
authors: Adrienne W
authors: AW
authors: Henize
authors: Donita S
authors: DS
authors: Parrish
authors: Elaine E
authors: EE
authors: Fink
authors: Robert S
authors: RS
authors: Kahn
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006801:Humans; D033241:Lawyers; D008297:Male; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D009820:Ohio; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010372:Pediatrics; D058007:Physicians, Primary Care; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data