1. Early Childhood and Family Mental Health Competencies for NH

2. Why? Establishes a common ground for Early Childhood and Family Mental Health Competency at different levels across a multiple disciplines

3. Uses: Self evaluation Guides professional development Evaluate and develop curricula Assess the strengths and weaknesses of a training/educational program/experience Tool for people hiring staff A tool to support supervision and mentoring Tool for families wanting to assure competence in their providers

4. Work group includes representatives from: Child Development Bureau 2 and 4 year educational programs (NHTI, PSU, UNH) Community Mental Health Early Supports and Services Child Development Bureau Department of Education Division of Children Youth and Families Private Practice Therapists Early Childhood Mental Health Specialists

5. Process: The group defined use of competencies and guiding principals Carefully evaluated the relative strengths and weaknesses of the 5 most widely accepted competency standards: Michigan Connecticut California Wisconsin Vermont

6. Why Vermont? Levels are not tied to a field or degree Translates well between fields Flexible- Addresses all relevant fields Equal attention to child and family competencies

7. Why Vermont cont…. Addresses professionalism/ethics Emphasizes reflective practice Recognizes and respects cultural differences Systems perspective Ecological perspective Well organized Can easily be adapted for multiple uses

8. The Vermont ECFMH Competency System

9. The Vermont ECFMHC System Domains: Philosophy and Professional Orientation Family System Child Development Assessment Addressing Challenges Systems Resources

10. The Vermont System Cont. Four levels: Foundation Intermediate Advanced Specialist

11. NH recommended modifications More emphasis of reflective practice Screening and Assessment Philosophy, Professionalism and Ethics includes supporting the field Community resources

12. Where are we now: Drafting changes Producing tools Promoting

13. Next steps (little and big): Disseminating and Promoting tools –Web site, forums, presentations, printing Partnering with Behavioral Health re: Mental Health Competency development Partnering with Early Childhood Competency revisions Partnering with Vermont other potential partners?

14. And…. Seeking funding to support the exploration of the of developing a credentialing system Make recommendations regarding a proposed system of credentialing, maintenance and management

15. Many thanks to: Family Centered Early Supports and Services for supporting the NHAIMH and the funding this work group through Federal Economic Stimulus Funds and the dedicated, talented and hard working individuals participating in the work group:

16. Thank-you!!! Sandy Brallier- coordinator Patty Ewen- Department of Education Helen Fitzgerald- Family therapist, NHAIMH Board Member Gale Hall, New Hampshire Technical Institute- E. Ch. Ed. Kerry Kazura, UNH- Family Studies Gail Mears - Plymouth State University Pat Cantor- Plymouth State University Eileen Mullin-DCYF Ellyn Schreiber- Early Supports and Services- NHAIMH Board Member Jackie Sparks- Child Care, Early Supports and Services Anne Tenney, Community Mental Health Karen Welford, PSU, Early Supports and Services, facilitator Ellen Wheatley, Child Development Bureau