What's New
- Mental Health Services Act Prevention and Early Intervention Plan Requirements (PDF, 107K)
This is a policy paper from the Department of Mental Health (DMH) regarding Mental Health Prevention and Early Intervention Policy Decision Points. More information is available on the DMH website www.dmh.cahwnet.gov
Welcome!
Welcome to the website for the First 5 California Special Needs Project. Through the Special Needs Project, the School Readiness Initiative, the Health Access
for All (health insurance) Initiative, the “Preschool for All” Initiative and other programs and policies, First 5 California is demonstrating its solid
commitment to California's children with disabilities and other special needs.
California is home to over 2.6 million children birth through five; over 67,000 of those children are currently receiving services for special needs, including over
27,000 children in the birth to 3 year range. Many more children and families would benefit from early screening and detection with access to appropriate
services, including mental health services.
Because of the linkages with many community agencies and other First 5 projects, including the School Readiness Initiative and “Preschool for All”, this
exciting project has the potential to impact the lives of many young children and their families, regardless of the presence of a special need.
Information about best practices in areas of screening, service delivery and full inclusion opportunities will be disseminated on a broad scale.
I know many of you share my excitement and enthusiasm for this important work. Thank you for your support of this project and best wishes for great success!
Louis Vismara, M.D.
First 5 California Children and Families Commission Member
Click here for more information about The Special Needs Project.