Maternal and Child Health Policies

Large, long-term studies show powerful links between adverse childhood experiences and poor health and mental health outcomes, both during childhood and later in life. These policies address the health of young children and of the adults who care for them, because early success depends on both. 

BEST BET POLICIES 

Ensure access to affordable, physical, oral, and mental health insurance coverage for children and parents. 

• • Expand outreach 
  • Simplify enrollment 
  • Eliminate barriers to retention 
  • Address health care shortages—both of providers who accept Medicaid/CHIP, and of providers who offer specialized care (e.g., dental care, mental health, developmental specialists). 

Prioritize prevention strategies. 

• • Promote timely use of prenatal and pediatric health care 
  • Require universal newborn screening for hearing and metabolic disorders, and vision screening between ages one and five 
  • Screen for developmental disabilities and delays according to the schedule recommended by American Academy of Pediatrics 
  • Increase access to comprehensive health (medical) homes that identify and respond to the physical, social, and emotional determinants of health 
  • Prioritize funding for prevention programs, including those delivered outside of traditional medical settings 
  • Increase participation of families, child care providers, schools, and communities in federal nutrition programs 

Improve the quality of health care. 

• • Implement health care data systems to track and improve referral and follow-up services 
  • Maximize screening, diagnosis and treatment of maternal depression and early childhood behavioral health issues using new opportunities under the Affordable Care Act 
  • Improve coordination between IDEA Part B and C, primary care, and public health programs.