SOCIAL EMOTIONAL

Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children's Health

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL

Did you know that a child's social and emotional well-being can affect his health? The reverse is also true--a child's physical health can affect his social-emotional well-being.

We want children to be happy, to have friends, and to get along with others. Sometimes they do just fine, but sometimes they need a little help... or maybe we need a little help to handle their energy!

Project LAUNCH is currently providing two services in this area.

Mental Health Consultation

Jennifer Stanuszek is currently working in the Partners in Pediatrics office to assist with mental health needs. The pediatricians in this office screen children using the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and the Ages & Stages Questionnaire - Social/Emotional (ASQ:SE). If the screening shows a need for further assessment, parents will have the opportunity to talk to Jennifer right there at the doctor's office. This service is convenient for parents, and it makes it easier to get referrals to the right services.

Child Care Expulsion Prevention

Alissa Tablish is the Child Care Consultant for Saginaw County's Child Care Enhancement Program (CCEP). Her role is to help families and child care providers to promote infant-toddler social, emotional and behavioral health and turn challenging behavior around. Because it's fundamental to success in school and life, social and emotional health is a child's growing ability to:

--Form close relationships with others

--Express and manage emotions (e.g., an infant cries when upset and is able to be calmed by a familiar adult)

--Explore his or her surroundings and learn.

The program is free to all child care providers working with children from 0 to 5 years of age in Saginaw County. Feel free to contact Alissa for more information at (989) 596-0062 or atablish@sccmha.org.

A project of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)