SCHOOL-BASED PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR BEHAVIOR ISSUES
The aim of this five-year project is to examine the effects of a comprehensive three-tiered school-based behavior prevention program. Three evidence-based intervention programs (BASE , First Step to Success , and Multisystemic Therapy --MST) will be studied over a four-year period. The programs are implemented in seven public elementary schools. Over the course of four years 560 children will receive direct educational services. Learn more about each of the programs: BASE (school-wide discipline program), First Step to Success (behavior prevention for K-1 grade students), and Multisystemic Therapy (home-based services for K-3 grade students).
EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
The purpose of the Early Childhood Mental Health Program is to study the effectiveness of an early childhood mental health program that is designed specifically to better meet the needs of young children with or at risk of emotional and behavioral challenges and their families. This study will examine the effects of the program on child and family functioning of 80 children and their families over the course of the study period.
MIGRANT EDUCATION EVEN START GRANT (MEES)
The MEES grant is designed to enhance the educational opportunities of Hispanic Spanish-speaking migrant families and their young children through four scientifically based literacy programs. MEES is implemented through a cooperative agreement with the Siouxland Family Center-an established partnership of various organizations co-located in a facility donated by Tyson Foods (formerly IBP Inc.). MEES provides adult basic education (ABE), early childhood, early elementary and parent training programs. CACS is currently evaluating another federal MEES project site conducted by the Northeast Kingdom Learning Services in Vermont.
RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL OF WRAPAROUND SERVICES
The purpose of this clinical trial of wraparound study is to evaluate the effectiveness of wraparound services using a randomized experimental research design. Wraparound services involve intensive service coordination, interagency collaboration, family involvement, and service planning. These services will be offered to 80 children with emotional disturbance and their families.
FAMILIES FIRST AND FOREMOST CMHS SYSTEM OF CARE
The goal of the Families First and Foremost project is to evaluate a system of care for children’s mental health in Lancaster County, Nebraska. The project serves youth from 5 to 17½ who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder and who are, or are at-risk of becoming, involved in the juvenile justice system. It is part of a national evaluation of grant sites funded under CMHS’s Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services Program for Children and Their Families.
INTEGRATED CARE COORDINATION UNIT
The aim this project is to evaluate the Integrated Care Coordination Unit, a collaboration between the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Lancaster County Office of Juvenile Mental Health. Youth served in this project are state wards from birth to 18 years of age in more restrictive levels of out-of-home care. The primary service provided to youth in the Integrated Care Coordination Unit is wraparound services.
Recently Completed Projects
JUVENILE COURT RISK ASSESSMENT STUDY
The goal the juvenile court risk assessment study is to determine whether using standardized instruments to screen delinquent youth for substance abuse problems and the risk of continued delinquent behavior can improve juvenile court dispositions. This is to be accomplished through: 1) an outcome evaluation of screening results and additional survey data for more than 1,000 adjudicated delinquents; and 2) a process evaluation, using pre-test and post-test surveys, of more than 100 justice system personnel.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT & ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
The goal of this program to provide academic support and enhancement is to examine whether there is a causal relationship between academic competence and social adjustment. This study will examine the effects of an intensive early language and beginning reading program on the reading, academic competence, and social adjustment of K-1 children at risk of emotional and behavioral challenges. Over the study period, 120 school children will receive direct services. |
