TIEMH was awarded a Project Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children’s Health (Project LAUNCH) grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to promote the wellness of young children, from birth to 8 years of age, by addressing the social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral aspects of their development, preparing young children to thrive in school and beyond. Project LAUNCH strategies include the provision of mental health consultation in early care and education settings; screen and assess youth and caregivers; strengthen family activities; and establish participatory approaches with families and community partners through advisory councils.
TIEMH is partnering with early childhood organizations in two Texas communities (Travis and Cameron/Hidalgo Counties) to implement infant and early childhood mental health consultation (IECMHC), to provide screening and assessment for young children, offer parenting support programs that address children’s mental and behavioral health, and to enhance local early childhood collaborative efforts to include children’s mental health and family voice. TIEMH is also working with statewide partners to educate early childhood professionals regarding screening and assessment, IECMHC, and early childhood development.
