ACCESS TO NEEDED SERVICES

Ensuring access to the resources and services that parents and children need is foundational to building a prenatal-to-3 system of care. States provide a number of benefits and programs to children and families, based on varying eligibility criteria and modes of delivery. However, use of services among families who are eligible varies considerably from state to state.

Four outcome measures illustrate families’ access to needed services based on expanded eligibility, fewer barriers to resources and care, reduced administrative burden, and screenings for needed services:

• Health insurance access among low-income women of childbearing age,
• Receipt of adequate prenatal care,
• Access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) among eligible households with children under age 18, and
• Developmental screenings among children under age 3.

Based on comprehensive reviews of the most rigorous evidence available, the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center identified 12 effective solutions that foster the nurturing environments infants and toddlers need. Seven policies and strategies have demonstrated effectiveness at improving families’ access to needed services.