Imagining a system that works for youth with complex needs

What is the E4 Project? In 2023, the Children’s Mental Health Campaign received a planning grant from the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation to address care barriers for youth with co-occurring autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and mental health concerns, identify solutions and strategies to improve service access.  

 

 

This work resulted in a series of recommendations that call for a system that: 

• Intervenes early and responds quickly to parent’s concerns
• Is easy to navigate so families can access needed services
• Provides effective treatment for kids with complex needs
• Is grounded in equity

Children’s Behavioral Health System Map

This interactive map details the system of care for youth ages 0-6 in Massachusetts with ASD and behavioral health conditions. It includes information on levels of care and relationships between service providers, state agencies, advocacy organizations, and health plans/administrative services organizations. 

For an overview of the year 1 project check out our webinar or download a copy of the presentation slides. 

 

We’ve formed an advisory committee to:   

• Advise us on the best approaches and strategies for implementing the recommendations.
•  Help us prioritize which recommendations to advance and the most feasible strategies for doing so.
• Hold us accountable for ensuring our policy efforts are truly reaching and benefiting those who are the most impacted by service gaps and access issues.
• Lend expertise to ensure our efforts emphasize equity, earlier intervention, creating a more navigable system, and delivering effective services.
• Assist us in amplifying our impact by creating a network of partners who care about this important work
• Build champions who may advocate for changes within your own networks.
• Help us cultivate support and build buy-in over time for new approaches that may emerge. 

 

For more information contact Kelly English at kenglish@mspcc.org 

 

This work is supported by a generous grant from the Peter & Elizabeth Tower Foundation.