Infant and Toddler Models of Service Delivery

Abstract

The thesis of this article is that current models of intervention for infants and toddlers may be detrimental to some children and families. Theories of human development, recommended by leaders in the field, are described as the framework for analyzing current and future intervention methods. The clinical, research, social, and economic rationales for these service models will be discussed to illustrate the origins of several decades of practice and research. Conflicting research results and practical implementation problems will be described. This provides a context for illustrating how and why service models may fail to provide what currently accepted theories of development and research suggest is necessary for improved outcomes for children and families. Alternative approaches are discussed and include the necessity of comprehensive child and family needs assessment, the need for protocols for matching services with needs, interagency service system changes, and a range of service options that facilitate family choice and optimal developmental opportunity for children.