Journal
JOURNAL OF EARLY INTERVENTION
Volume 35, Issue 1, Pages 61-74Publisher
SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
DOI: 10.1177/1053815113507111
Keywords
early intervention; access; underrepresentation; language barrier; mental health
Ask authors/readers for more resources
This study investigates barriers to accessing services for children under age 3 presenting with language delays and behavioral difficulties, including language barriers for Spanish-speaking families. Using a telephone script, researchers called 30 agencies in Los Angeles County, including regional centers (the state network of Part C agencies for children with developmental disabilities), mental health centers, and schools, requesting services for a 2-year-old child. Outcomes of calls were compared by agency and by language of call (Spanish or English). Regional center calls resulted in an appointment 90% of the time, whereas schools and mental health centers were significantly less likely to link callers with services. Calls in Spanish revealed language access barriers, with fewer than half of Spanish-speaking callers to schools and mental health agencies obtaining an appointment. The study indicated barriers including basic access (e.g., reaching a live person; response in the home language), and obtaining appropriate appointment or referral.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available