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GOALS AND ACTIVITIES

Montana Project LAUNCH promotes prevention strategies to improve outcomes for the social-emotional wellness of children ages birth to 8. By strengthening partnerships, growing resources, developing workforce skills, implementing screening, and improving the referral process, Project LAUNCH strives to create more streamlined and effective support for young children and their families.

Partners are members of either the Gallatin Early Childhood Community Council or Park County Early Childhood Coalition, voluntary councils of community members interested in progressing topics related to early childhood. In addition, agency decision makers regularly meet to focus on early childhood social-emotional issues and to strengthen networks for families. The initiative also has a partnership with higher education to address workforce development challenges.

POPULATIONS SERVED

Families with pregnant women and children ages birth to 8. Pilot site includes Gallatin and Park Counties, with a goal of scaling up services throughout the state.

MAJOR PARTNERS AND FUNDERS

SAMHSA, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Bozeman Health, Child Care Connections, Community Health Partners, Gallatin City-County Health Department, Greater Gallatin United Way, Park County Community Foundation, Park County Health Department

MAJOR OUTCOMES

Meaningful interagency collaboration that allows families to access and move through resources efficiently, a diverse workforce knowledgeable about early childhood mental health, and community focus on social emotional health of young children and their families. Specific initiatives include on-site coaching and consultation for early care and education providers, an embedded mental health professional in a pediatric clinic, and burnout prevention for home visitors.

INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS

2013 needs assessment in Gallatin County provided data that helped secure grant from SAMHSA. Partners and councils developed a living strategic plan that commits to initiatives and goals, but allows flexibility to respond to new needs. Evaluation team from Montana State University created a robust data collection plan to assess progress. The project depends on relationships and encourages cross-sector collaboration.

ADVICE FOR OTHERS

“Create a vision and strategic plan as a group, dedicate staff to focus on effort, identify champions early and capitalize on those who are most passionate and creative, know how your partners operate, learn each other’s language, and be on the lookout for creative strategies outside of your field of work.” — Sarah Webb, Young Child Wellness