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CATCH Child Assessment & Treatment Center for Health. Joanna Hemmat, MSN, MPH Joanna.hemmat@vdh.virginia.gov Peggy Stypula, MSW, LICSW peggy.stypula@alexandriava.gov. Alexandria Is “CATCH-ing” Kids Early!. What Is Alexandria CATCH?.
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CATCHChild Assessment & Treatment Center for Health Joanna Hemmat, MSN, MPH Joanna.hemmat@vdh.virginia.govPeggy Stypula, MSW, LICSW peggy.stypula@alexandriava.gov
What Is Alexandria CATCH? A collaborative effort between multiple agencies to provide comprehensive health and developmental screenings for children who are at risk of abuse or neglect, in foster care, or who are homeless.
National Statistics20066 million children were reported to the child welfare system1 million children had substantiated abuse & neglect76.6% of fatalities from abuse & neglect were children 5 & under
CATCH History Originated in response to the 2003 Child Abuse, Prevention & Treatment Act (CAPTA)
Why CATCH? • Capitalize resources • Coordinate shared clients • Maximize expertise • Improve access to care • Efficient assessments • Enhance communication
Who Provides Alexandria CATCH Services? • Department of Human Services • Alexandria Health Department • Community Services Board • Early Intervention Services • Alexandria City Public Schools • Child Find
City of Alexandriaexpanded CAPTA definition for situation, age andservice
Alexandria Statistics Children under age 5 comprise the largest and most rapidly expanding group in child welfare • Currently 24% of all children in foster care are under age 5
State of Virginia Child Protective Services Fatality Summary 2006 • 83% of child fatalities were under age 4 • 7% of the fatalities were in the City of Alexandria
What Is Provided? Comprehensive screenings: 1.Medical conditions 2. Dental needs 3. Immunization status 4. Nutritional status 5. Social-emotional needs 6. Cognitive development 7. Psychosocial Assessments
When Is Service Provided? • Upon referral for Child Protective or Family Support Services • Within 30 days of foster placement, change in placement or after run-away • Annually for foster youth • Referred by shelters
How Do We Reach an Understanding of Each Discipline? Agreed shared goals Joint multi-level trainings Staff in-services Multi-disciplinary team and case management meetings
Keys to Successfully Merging Nursing and Social Work Clear role delineation Respect each discipline Listen to perspectives of other experts Confidence in expertise of colleagues
Shared Issues Under-served Children Foster Youth Resource Limitations Federal Mandates
Benefits to Cross-disciplinary Case Management: • Assuring Early Intervention • Prevention of further neglect and/or maltreatment • Maintenance of family unity • Reduction of chance for multiple foster placement changes
CATCH Indicators2008 • 100% of children with founded CPS cases are referred for Early Intervention services • 94.7% of Stakeholders surveyed expressed satisfaction that CATCH effectively ensured the physical, mental and developmental health of referred children
Closing Remarks: More effective outcomes are possible for vulnerable children when collaborating partners share a common vision and commitment.