This article is intended to illuminate the scientific evidence for I-ECMH policies; examine issues faced by national, state, and local program directors and mental health practitioners in providing I-ECMH services; and propose a set of recommendations for policy improvements at the federal level.
We seek to provide a context for the issues and barriers states face when financing services for those most in need and during a time when those services would have the highest rate of return. These significant issues faced by states include the lack of a service delivery system for provision and reimbursement of I-ECMH services, underutilization of Medicaid financing for cognitive development, forms the foundation—the bricks and mortar—of development.
