Additional information on the KidSTART Clinic Infant and Young Child Program

What risk factors make an appropriate referral to KidSTART Clinic?

Children are typically referred to KidSTART Clinic when they display a social-emotional/behavioral need, as well as a developmental, medical or family need. Other risk factors include, but are not limited to:

• Poor response to previous treatments
• Unclear diagnoses
• Medical factors that contribute to developmental or social-emotional concerns
• Risk factors such as prenatal alcohol/substance exposure
• Placement instability (home, school, daycare)
• Complex traumatic experiences

What is the purpose of KidSTART Clinic services?

The purpose of KidSTART Clinic services is to help children and caregivers reach their fullest potential. This is accomplished in many ways, including:

• Treating the aftereffects of a child’s traumatic experience
• Returning children to typical developmental trajectories
• Supporting the social-emotional well-being of all family members, especially caregivers
• Preventing the need for long-term involvement in behavioral health services

What types of treatment and interventions are offered?

• Trauma Assessment Pathway (TAP)
  Treatment begins with a complete assessment (evaluation) of the child within the context of their relationships. This assessment process is completed using the Trauma Assessment Pathway (TAP), a tool developed by Chadwick Center staff through funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The TAP process assists the therapist in developing a Unique Client Picture that guides the selection of the best type of therapy for the child and family.
• Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs)
  Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are treatments that have been proven successful in multiple research studies that have been reviewed by others in the mental health field. The staff in KidSTART Clinic is committed to the use of EBPs, whenever possible. Among the EBPs utilized in the program are Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).

How is KidSTART Clinic unique?

KidSTART’s team approach to services allows the team to work together to create a custom treatment plan for children with multiple needs. Intensive family support services are also provided to help families understand the unique needs of each child, access services that are needed now, and plan for future services that may be needed as the child grows older. Given the complexity of children’s needs, services at KidSTART Clinic average 6-9 months.

Who is eligible for KidSTART Clinic?

• Social-emotional/behavioral plus developmental, medical, or family needs
• Neither currently in Kindergarten nor starting Kindergarten in the next 3 months
• Full-scope Medi-Cal insurance
• Under 6 years old

Eligibility Criteria for KidSTART Clinic