Special Start is a collaboration between Children’s Hospital and Research Center at Oakland (Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics/Neonatal Follow Up Program), Alameda County Public Health Department-Family Health Services Unit and Every Child Counts. The program serves approximately 20% of the infants each year who have been hospitalized in Alameda County Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and who have a combination of medical and social risk factors.
The goal is to improve the health, developmental and social outcome of infants who are at increased risk for mortality, morbidity, abuse and neglect due to their risk factors. Infants and families receive comprehensive home-based support and are followed for up to two years, depending on need and level of risk factors.
Both Special Start programs have a multidisciplinary staff including: nurses, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, infant development specialist, a developmental pediatrician, family advocates and family advocates. Home visits are scheduled weekly, bi-weekly or monthly depending on the family’s needs. A developmental pediatrician is available for consultation to families and staff.
Services include case management (e.g., monitoring and support around the health, development, mental health and psychosocial needs of the baby and family), parent education/support groups, resources and referrals, coordination with primary care and specialty providers and collaboration with other community agencies involved with the family.
Referrals to Special Start are generated during intensive care nursery discharge rounds; however, referrals from physicians are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
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