A community coalition of families, caregivers, child-serving agencies, providers, educators, and community leaders gathered in November, 2001, to discuss a proposed study of systems-wide issues related to the services and supports for children, adolescents, and young adults with special needs in Hillsborough County, FL. The analysis would serve to:
Document the number, location, and demographic composition of children from birth to 24 years who have been identified as having or as being at increased risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition, and who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required of children generally.
Provide a comprehensive understanding of the full spectrum of needs of children, adolescents, and young adults with disabilities and their families.
Identify system gaps and barriers that impact functional abilities and inclusive opportunities.
Recommend actions that the community can take to better serve these children, their families, and caregivers.
With funding provided by the Children's Board of Hillsborough County, the Florida Department of Health, and the University of South Florida, the first phase of the project was completed in June, 2003. Results from the data collection and analysis phase can be viewed under Full Research Report.
The second phase of the project, funded by the Children's Board, focused on the development of a strategic plan that addresses identified gaps in service delivery and supports. A Coalition steering committee worked with two facilitators from April, 2004 through March 2005, to formulate six issue-specific action plans. Results from the plannning phase can be viewed under Report on Dissemination & Utilization of Research Findings and Focus Area Action Plans.
This site has served as a communication tool throughout the course of the project, providing Coalition members and the community with access to project updates, announcements, planning session schedules, documents, materials, and other pertinent information.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions, comments, or suggestions. Thank you for your interest in this important initiative.
Last update on May 22, 2005
