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Evaluation of a University-Community Partnership to Provide Home-Based, Mental Health Services for Children from Families Living in Poverty

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Abstract

A university-community partnership is described that resulted in the development of community-based mental health services for young children from families living in poverty. The purpose of this pilot project was to implement an evidence-based treatment program in the homes of an at-risk population of children with significant emotional and behavior problems that were further complicated by developmental delays. Outcomes for 237 children who participated in the clinic’s treatment program over a 2 year period are presented. Comparisons are included between treatment completers and non-completers and the issues of subject attrition, potential subject selection bias, and the generalizability of the results are addressed. The need for more professionals who are trained to address mental health issues in very young children who live in very challenging conditions are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported in part by grants from Brighter Futures of Milwaukee, Charles D. Jacobus Family Foundation, Exchange Clubs of Greater Milwaukee Charitable Foundation, Faye McBeath Foundation, Helen Bader Foundation, Stackner Family Foundation, and United Way. The authors acknowledge the support of Penfield Children’s Center, the Birth-to-Three Agency that served as the site for this study and the family clinicians and graduate students who provided mental health services for the children and their families.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, College of Education, Marquette University, Schroeder Complex, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI, 53201-1881, USA

    Robert A. Fox, Ryan J. Mattek & Brittany L. Gresl

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  1. Robert A. Fox
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  2. Ryan J. Mattek
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  3. Brittany L. Gresl
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Correspondence to Robert A. Fox.

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Fox, R.A., Mattek, R.J. & Gresl, B.L. Evaluation of a University-Community Partnership to Provide Home-Based, Mental Health Services for Children from Families Living in Poverty. Community Ment Health J 49, 599–610 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-012-9545-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-012-9545-7

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