Children Youth and Family Services 0-3 Program

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

El Paso County Department of Human Services developed the 0-3 Program to streamline improved services and support to some of the most vulnerable children and their families. The program is focused on Specialized 0-3 Child Welfare Teams and a partnership with a local health provider, which includes the regional Public Health entity, private provider, or community health clinic. The caseworkers on the 0-3 Child Welfare Teams receive focused training such as certified addictions counseling, recognizing failure to thrive and child development. Nurse practitioners accompany caseworkers on home visits to provide a medical perspective and medical care to children. The Well Baby Court, part of the regional judicial system, is an additional support for the 0-3 Program. The specialized court provides specialized services for families of young children who are involved with DHS and the Dependency and Neglect process. The 0-3 Program provides a comprehensive approach for families in dependency and neglect cases, leading to increased support and wrap-around services. The nurse practitioner offers medical guidance, and connects the family to medical care, that in the past may have resulted in missed appointments.