Early Assessment Project

Rationale
In the United States, over three million children are reported to Child Protective Services every year. Of these children, a million are found to be maltreated. However, about a third of these children do not receive any services and about a third are re-reported to child protection agencies.

Many children are reported multiple times before Child Protective Services finally acts decisively, usually by removing the child from the home. By then it may be too late for these children to receive the care that can make the best of their skills and intelligence.

The Early Assessment Project aims to promote a paradigm shift in child welfare services by demonstrating that early, comprehensive assessments of children and families identified by Child Protective Services with ongoing consultation and follow-up can lead to better outcomes for children and families.

Target population

Children ages seven and younger and their families
First time substantiated referrals to Child Protective Services
Categorized as I (court referral required) & II (Protective Services required)

Michigan counties served

Washtenaw County
Lenawee County

Services provided

Medical exams on every child seven and younger
Developmental assessments of every child
Screening of children for trauma and behavior problems
Interviews with every child
Interviews of every caretaker
Screening of all caretakers for substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health problems.
Psychological testing, if indicated
Collateral contacts with professionals (e.g., teachers, providers of supportive services, and therapists) working with the child and family
Collateral contacts with extended family members if indicated