Allegheny
County Department of Human Services (DHS) and community partners have been
working to improve the way that young
children with serious emotional disturbances (SED) and their families are
able to access mental health treatment, support, and other key services. Starting Early Together (SET) was developed to coordinate the mental
health services and supports needed to meet the multiple and changing needs of
young children (birth to six-years old) with serious emotional disturbances and
their families in four local communities. The purpose of this evaluation is to collect interview data and
collaborate in research efforts on the characteristics of children and families
served; the extent services reflect System of Care principles, and the extent
child and family outcomes improve over time.
SET is part
of a national effort funded through SAMSHA that focuses on the needs of
children (birth to 21 years) with serious emotional disturbances and their
families.