A new collaborative initiative lead by the Iowa Department of Human Services emphasizes healthy mental development of children birth to age three who are eligible for Medicaid. It is funded through a grant from the National Academy of State Health Policy, with support from the Commonwealth Fund - Assuring Better Child Health and Development II (ABCD II). The initiative will build the capacity of Iowa primary health care providers to provide developmental services with a focus on prevention, early recognition, and early intervention for mental social-emotional health. Over the next three years, the project will bring together a panel of public and private partners to:

• Establish minimum standards for preventive services and developmental services for Medicaid-eligible children at risk for developmental or social emotional problems
• Identify and promote the use of appropriate screening and assessment tools, including "best" practices
• Develop minimum standards within Medicaid for surveillance, family risk assessment, and care coordination 
• Assess the gaps and barriers in providing services 
• Recommend policy and other changes to Medicaid developmental services.