Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Williams, Marian E.
• Perrigo, Judith L.
• Banda, Tanya Y.
• Matic, Tamara
• Goldfarb, Fran D.

Titel

Barriers to Accessing Services for Young Children

Ist Teil von

• Journal of early intervention, 2013-03, Vol.35 (1), p.61-74

Ort / Verlag

Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications

Erscheinungsjahr

2013

Quelle

ERIC

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• 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.