AimEarlyIdaho: Idaho Association for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
Since 2002 the American Academy of Pediatrics has as one of its goals to establish mental health and emotional well-being for the developing child and those who care for the child.1 A new organization in Idaho was established in 2009 with a similar vision. AimEarlyIdaho: Idaho Association for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health is a non-profit organization whose vision is to support a system of care which helps families ensure the social and emotional well-being of their infants and young children (birth to five years). Our purpose is to:
- Provide support to infants, young children, and their families to develop positive relationships (a.k.a. infant and early childhood mental health);
- Promote parent and professional development through education and research related to infant and early childhood mental health;
- Facilitate networking, cooperation, and collaboration among those concerned with the optimal development and relationships of children birth through five years of age;
- Promote scientifically-based programs of care, intervention, and prevention of mental impairment in infancy and early childhood; and to
- Support local and state policies that promote family and infant and early childhood mental health.
Idaho, in 2003, had 2,382 children placed in foster care. The number of children placed in foster care jumped to 3,421 in 2007 with 6% of these children being referred from the Children’Äôs Mental Health Program. Of these 3,421 children placed in foster care 38% are under the age of six years.2 National data indicate that nearly 80% of the infants in foster care are exposed to prenatal substance abuse and 40% are born prematurely and/or at low birth weight. Premature deliveries and low birth rates are associated with later academic, and social and emotional challenges.3 The cost for partial care services for children <1 year through 36 months jumped from $30,000 in 2003 to $256,000 in 2007 for Idaho Medicaid. For 4 year old children alone the cost jumped from $32,000 in 2003 to $478,000 in 2007. The cost for partial care for children 5-18 years of age for 2007 was $5 million, a rate that was 10 times greater than in 2003. Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) costs have more than doubled since 2003 costing more than $37 million in 2007 for 6,000 children ages 1-18 years. While PSR costs for children <1 year through 36 months was $95,000 in 2003, in 2007 it was $210,000.4 The rate that American children are prescribed antidepressants doubled in 5 years (1998-2002) with a 66% increase among preschool-aged children. In Idaho, the cost for psychotropic medications for 3 year old children doubled from 2006 to 2007.5
Aim Early Idaho is establishing an endorsement system for professionals with knowledge, skills, and commitment to infant and early childhood mental health. The four levels of endorsement range from childcare providers to social workers, psychologists, educators, therapists, and physicians. In addition, our website (http://AimEarlyIdaho.org) has an excellent library of information for families and professionals. We also have free bookmarks and pamphlets for your offices to share with families who may be struggling with doubts and questions regarding their children's behaviors. If you have any questions contact our office at info@AimEarlyIdaho.org. We are an affiliate of the World Association for Infant Mental Health (http://waimh.org).
1American Academy of Pediatrics. Promoting mental health. Found June 21, 2010 at http://brightfutures.aap.org/pdfs/Guidelines_PDF/4-Promoting_Mental_Health.pdf
2Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. (2008). Facts, Figures, Trends 2007-2008: A Report by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Boise, ID: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
3Shonkoff, J. & Phillips, D. Eds. (2000). From Neurons to Neighborhoods: the Science of Early Childhood Development. Board on Children, Youth and Families, Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education. Washington, D. C. P National Academy Press.
4Idaho Medicaid. (September 2, 2008). Public Records Request
5Delate, T., Gelenberg, A. J., Simmons, V. A., & Motheral, B. R. (2004). Trends in the use of antidepressants in a national sample of commercially insured pediatric patients. Psychiatric Services, 55, 387-391.
