For families experiencing homelessness, finding a safe place to live is only one part of what they need. Parents and young children also face stress, uncertainty, and trauma that can affect their emotional health and development.
A new partnership
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is partnering with Morrison Child and Family Services and Path Home on a pilot program that supports infants, young children, and their caregivers during an important stage of development. The pilot is the first program of its kind in Multnomah County.
“Every child, regardless of housing status, should have access to the emotional and developmental support they need to thrive,” said Ebony Clarke, OHA behavioral health director. “This partnership reflects our belief that behavioral health care must meet families where they are, especially in moments of crisis.”
Investment in early childhood mental health
OHA provided $286,000 to Morrison Child and Family Services for the pilot. The funding is part of a $2 million investment to expand mental health services across 12 Oregon counties.
How the program helps
Morrison Child and Family Services’ Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) program offers bilingual mental health consultants to work with Path Home families with children ages 0-5. The consultants help families connect to mental health treatment, trauma-informed care, and parenting classes. Free childcare is available while families take classes.
“Children are at the greatest risk for experiencing homelessness during the first year of life, yet families with infants experiencing homelessness rarely receive the mental health support they need to thrive,” said Sarah Heal, Morrison’s program director.
The program supports children, caregivers, and the staff who work with them. By offering help directly where young children live, learn, and grow, the program helps families build skills, strengthen relationships and support children’s development.
Supporting shelter staff
The partnership also gives shelter staff tools to cope with workplace stress and avoid burnout. Through consultation and support, staff can better manage the challenges of working with families experiencing stress and trauma.
Building stronger foundations
By expanding access to early childhood mental health services, OHA and its partners are helping build stronger foundations for Oregon families — one family, one connection, and one moment of support at a time.