ERIC Number: EJ1019922
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Mar
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-8151
EISSN: N/A
Barriers to Accessing Services for Young Children
Williams, Marian E.; Perrigo, Judith L.; Banda, Tanya Y.; Matic, Tamara; Goldfarb, Fran D.
Journal of Early Intervention, v35 n1 p61-74 Mar 2013
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.
Descriptors: Barriers, Young Children, Related Services (Special Education), Integrated Services, Accessibility (for Disabled), Early Intervention, Disproportionate Representation, Mental Health Programs, Hispanic Americans, Telephone Surveys, Critical Incidents Method, Organizational Effectiveness, Behavior Problems, Spanish Speaking, Developmental Delays, Language Impairments
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A