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Early Childhood and Family Mental Health Competencies for NH. Why?. Establishes a common ground for Early Childhood and Family Mental Health Competency at different levels across a multiple disciplines. Uses:. Self evaluation Guides professional development Evaluate and develop curricula
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Early Childhood and Family Mental Health Competencies for NH
Why? • Establishes a common ground for Early Childhood and Family Mental Health Competency at different levels across a multiple disciplines
Uses: • Self evaluation • Guides professional development • Evaluate and develop curricula • Assess the strengths and weaknesses of a training/educational program/experience • Tool for people hiring staff • A tool to support supervision and mentoring • Tool for families wanting to assure competence in their providers
Work group includes representatives from: • Child Development Bureau • 2 and 4 year educational programs (NHTI, PSU, UNH) • Community Mental Health • Early Supports and Services • Child Development Bureau • Department of Education • Division of Children Youth and Families • Private Practice Therapists • Early Childhood Mental Health Specialists
Process: • The group defined use of competencies and guiding principals • Carefully evaluated the relative strengths and weaknesses of the 5 most widely accepted competency standards: • Michigan • Connecticut • California • Wisconsin • Vermont
Why Vermont? • Levels are not tied to a field or degree • Translates well between fields • Flexible- • Addresses all relevant fields • Equal attention to child and familycompetencies
Why Vermont cont…. • Addresses professionalism/ethics • Emphasizes reflective practice • Recognizes and respects cultural differences • Systems perspective • Ecological perspective • Well organized • Can easily be adapted for multiple uses
The Vermont ECFMHC System Domains: • Philosophy and Professional Orientation • Family System • Child Development • Assessment • Addressing Challenges • Systems Resources
The Vermont System Cont. Four levels: • Foundation • Intermediate • Advanced • Specialist
NH recommended modifications • More emphasis of reflective practice • Screening and Assessment • Philosophy, Professionalism and Ethics includes supporting the field • Community resources
Where are we now: • Drafting changes • Producing tools • Promoting
Next steps (little and big): • Disseminating and Promoting tools • Web site, forums, presentations, printing • Partnering with Behavioral Health re: Mental Health Competency development • Partnering with Early Childhood Competency revisions • Partnering with Vermont • other potential partners?
And…. • Seeking funding to support the exploration of the of developing a credentialing system • Make recommendations regarding a proposed system of credentialing, maintenance and management
Many thanks to: • Family Centered Early Supports and Services for supporting the NHAIMH and the funding this work group through Federal Economic Stimulus Funds • and the dedicated, talented and hard working individuals participating in the work group:
Thank-you!!! • Sandy Brallier- coordinator • Patty Ewen- Department of Education • Helen Fitzgerald- Family therapist, NHAIMH Board Member • Gale Hall, New Hampshire Technical Institute- E. Ch. Ed. • Kerry Kazura, UNH- Family Studies • Gail Mears - Plymouth State University • Pat Cantor- Plymouth State University • Eileen Mullin-DCYF • Ellyn Schreiber- Early Supports and Services- NHAIMH Board Member • Jackie Sparks- Child Care, Early Supports and Services • Anne Tenney, Community Mental Health • Karen Welford, PSU, Early Supports and Services, facilitator • Ellen Wheatley, Child Development Bureau