Access to Better Care (ABC) Initiative
Children’s behavioral health problems, including mental illness, substance abuse, trauma due to child abuse and developmental problems, are growing in urgency and impact. These problems present a profound adolescent health care challenge (currently the top priority of pediatricians) and are a leading cause for school failure, the major factor in youth suicide and a growing challenge for Ohio’s foster care and juvenile justice systems.
The Ohio Family and Children First Access to Better Care (ABC) Initiative was developed as a set of strong initial steps to better address the needs of families and children with behavioral health challenges across the developmental spectrum and across the many settings children need and receive care. The federal child and family services review held Ohio accountable for improving the accessibility to quality behavioral health care for families in the child welfare system. Failure to demonstrate improvement in this area could result in Ohio losing significant Title IV-E dollars as a penalty. A particular focus of ABC is reducing out-of-home-placement with emphasis on improving access for children and families to behavioral health services and supports in their homes, schools and communities.
ABC promotes and supports:
- Increased access to prevention, early intervention and treatment in natural settings for children and families, i.e. in homes, child care, schools and other community environments
- Community-based, family-centered solutions
- Strengthened parent advocacy and empowerment
- Outcome-based, effective services and evidenced-based programs
- Increased collaboration and accountability among and between child-serving agencies
- Aligned and redirected resources supporting increased capacity
The ABC investment is supporting evidence-based and family-centered programs and initiatives, including:
- Incredible Years
- Maternal Depression
- Early Childhood Mental Health Treatment
- Devereux Early Childhood Assessment
- Ages and Stages Social Emotional Screening
- Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
- School and Community Partnerships
- Suicide Prevention
- Behavioral Health and Juvenile Justice
- Intensive Home Based Services
- Family and System Team (FAST) Initiative
Access to Better Care (ABC)/Family and Systems Team (FAST) Guidelines
The ABC/FAST Guidance Document Fiscal Year 2009 details all program and fiscal requirements associated with the use of ABC/FAST funds. For questions about the guidance document, contact Diane Nutter in the Office of Children's Services. For questions about ABC fiscal reports or procedures, contact Audra Terrell in the Office of Fiscal Administration.
ABC Annual Report FY09
The ABC Annual Report for FY09 is due on August 28, 2009. Please file your report electronically and contact Diane Nutter, Office of Children's Services, if you have questions.
Access to Better Care (ABC) and the Transformation State Incentive Grant
Recommendations focused on improving child and family well-being are being developed by the Ohio Family and Children First/ABC Initiative Content Working Group of the Transformation State Incentive Grant . The group’s emphasis is on prevention and early intervention, responsiveness to child and family needs and accountability through measurable performance outcomes. Members focus on improving coordination of family friendly services for children and families through strategic planning, collaboration and accountability in their communities. For more information, visit the Transformation State Incentive Grant page.