First 5 Ventura County has implemented community-based developmental screenings by Public Health educators and nurses working through each of the Neighborhoods for Learning. These health professionals offer outreach and education for parents, screenings and appropriate referrals for children and a range of family support services. In addition, Ventura County has a capacity-building program to offer training and support to pediatricians and family practice providers to help integrate surveillance, screening, assessment and referrals into their standard of practice.  In its new Strategic Plan, it is the intention of the F5VC Commission to further increase the number of pediatric and family practices doing development surveillance and consequently the number of children receiving developmental screenings.

Results

• Developmental screenings are provided for children in community locations, including follow-up assessments when indicated
• Parents are learning about child development and ways to support it
• Comprehensive referrals are provided for children and families
• Since 2006, 4622 children have received developmental screenings and in FY 09-10, 60% of children with positive screenings were followed and confirmed eligible for services.
• Developing best practices for developmental screening and referral into daily clinical practice of pediatricians and family practice providers
• Increasing physician provider awareness, knowledge and skills to conduct developmental screening

Key Partners

• Ventura County Public Health
• Landon Pediatric Foundation
• First 5 Ventura County
• Ventura County’s Neighborhoods for Learning (NfLs)
• Ventura County Ambulatory Care Clinics
• Ventura County Public Health Clinics