Implementation
Because of the variety in proven interventions, states and communities have leeway to find programs that suit local values, opportunities and budgets. The key is to select strategies that have documented effectiveness, assure that they are implemented well and recognize the critical importance of a strong commitment to continuous program improvement.
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Match expectations with sufficient resources . Be clear about the goals, purpose and target audience for specific programs. Provide sufficient resources to ensure fidelity to the evidence-based model, or modify expectations to accommodate variances.
- Identify barriers. Effective policy development requires the identification of factors that may impede effective implementation.
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Make provisions for broad-based input. When involvement will increase the likelihood that the needs of children and families are being met by the policy, engage community stakeholders in implementation.
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Support local capacity and communication . Provide technical assistance, monitoring, and oversight to local programs and agencies. Create opportunities for local-to-local communication, best practices sharing, and local input on state policy decisions.
- Support ongoing evaluation and continuous program improvement.
Indiana State Senate Enrolled Act 529, called for the state to address several matters regarding children’s social, emotional and behavioral health. An Interagency Task Force was formed to develop a Children's Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Health Plan containing short-term and long-term recommendations to provide comprehensive, coordinated mental health prevention, early intervention and treatment services for children from birth through age 22; adopt joint rules concerning the children's social, emotional and behavioral health plan; and conduct hearings on the implementation of the plan before adopting joint rules. The interagency task force includes members from the Department of Education, Department of Child Services, Department of Correction, Division of Mental Health and Addiction – Family and Social Services Administration, Medicaid – Family and Social Services Administration, Indiana State Department of Health, a parent advocate and the Governor's Office.