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New Mexico Family Infant Toddler Program. CAPTA and referrals of children at risk. Background. New Mexico is one of only a few states serving children at-risk and their families Biological / Medical Risk (diagnosed condition incl. low birth weight, prematurity, chronic otitis etc.)
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New MexicoFamily Infant Toddler Program CAPTA and referrals of children at risk
Background • New Mexico is one of only a few states serving children at-risk and their families • Biological / Medical Risk (diagnosed condition incl. low birth weight, prematurity, chronic otitis etc.) • Environmental Risk (2 or more factors incl. substance abuse, abuse / neglect, mental illness, domestic violence, homelessness etc.) CAPTA - NM Part C Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program
Background (cont.) • Referrals prior to CAPTA from Children Youth and Families (CYFD) have doubled from 319 in 2004 to 613 in 2005 • Potential CAPTA referrals is 1,300 (number of substantiated abuse / neglect of children birth to three) CAPTA - NM Part C Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program
Environmental Risk initiative • ICC focus area within strategic plan • NECTAC work plan process • Initiative included: • Eligibility and risk assessment tool • Recommended practices and TA document • CAPTA referral process CAPTA - NM Part C Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program
CAPTA work (thus far…) • Draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Children Youth & Families Department (CYFD) • Joint memo to Child Protective Service workers and FIT Providers • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document • Referral form developed • Decision to conduct full developmental evaluation on all children referred (not screening) CAPTA - NM Part C Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program
CAPTA work (in progress) • Joint training planned for March 2006 • CAPTA – the referral process + MOA • Breakout sessions for CYFD and FIT Program • Small group – work on case study scenarios • Development of web based course or self study (in order to train new staff ongoing) • Flowchart of child welfare process • Implications of mandated referrals related to substance abuse (new IDEA requirement) CAPTA - NM Part C Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program
CAPTA opportunities • CAPTA is more than just the referral – it promotes the need to address issues related to the ongoing relationship between child welfare and Part C, incl: • Surrogate parents / custody issues • Court issues / testimony and subpoena of child record • Visitation and role of biological parent in early intervention • Release of information / confidentiality / privacy CAPTA - NM Part C Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program
Lessons Learned • Develop relationships with key child welfare personnel at the State level • Promote opportunities for communication at the community level • The partnership benefits both parties • CAPTA brings to the surface a lot of issues about working jointly at the local level with children in the child welfare system CAPTA - NM Part C Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program
Lessons Learned (cont.) • Promote CAPTA in the context of brain development and child development research that recognize that abuse and neglect and multiple placements can impact a child’s development NOT “this is Federal mandate that we now have to follow…” • CAPTA and IDEA 2004 provide an opportunity to promote a focus on child development within the child welfare system CAPTA - NM Part C Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program