Child Development Screenings and Child Welfare

The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare looked at services provided to infants and toddlers with developmental delays under Part C, a provision of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). They found that many infants and toddlers who participate in Part C services do not need special education by elementary school. The federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act requires procedures for child welfare workers to refer infants and toddlers for Part C services, which will both save money and improve outcomes for children. Policies to increase child development screenings.