Child Find, a crucial component of Part C legislation, aims to identify, locate, and evaluate children ages birth to 3, as early as possible, to ensure they receive appropriate support and services. PIC has developed and maintains a follow-up process that also supports reengagement for those children whose families disengage from the referral process.
PIC engages in a range of activities each year to promote awareness of early intervention services, support the evaluation of children, and determine the need for services. These outreach and engagement efforts include: follow-up by the Child Find/CHERISH specialist for children whose families do not respond to or initially decline referrals; participation in local health fairs; coordination and outreach with the local school district; and community resource efforts such as the Diaper Pantry and Swaddle Me, which include early intervention materials and encourage screening. Additional strategies include providing training to OCS, as well as reflective supervision, and materials to help case workers identify children who may need screening, as well as offering the ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire) on PIC’s website for families to complete on their own.
PIC’s participation in Child Find activities is guided by an annual review and planning process led by administrative staff, with input and support from the state, agency leadership, program staff, and the community. These efforts fulfill a requirement outlined in the state grant, which mandates that PIC engage in Child Find activities as part of its legal and contractual obligations.
- The Executive Director, in coordination with staff, participates in various interagency groups to raise awareness of PIC services and develop community partnerships. Agency leadership also creates materials, organizes events, and attends outreach opportunities designed to promote public awareness and generate referrals from parents and key referral sources such as pediatricians, OCS, and NICUs. These referrals are based on a child’s potential need for evaluation and early intervention services.
- Staff who wish to participate in current Child Find activities should reach out to administrative leadership for information on active projects. A list of current initiatives is available through the Executive Director. Staff are encouraged to suggest additional Child Find activities and, when possible, offer their expertise to support events. Talk to your manager or the Executive Director if you’re interested in participating or proposing a new activity.
- As part of ongoing outreach, the Child Find/CHERISH specialist contacts families who are categorized as “Lost to Follow-Up” or “Decline” within three months of their exit from the referral process to offer continued support and to re-engage.
- Referrals generated from Child Find activities are handled by the Referral Specialists, who initiate the 45-day timeline toward enrollment when appropriate. Staff should contact the Referral Specialists with any questions or to follow up on specific cases.