Innovative PEAK initiative earns national award

July 30, 2010

Solano County has earned a National Association of Counties (NACo) "Achievement Award" for its Partnership for Early Access for Kids (PEAK) initiative.  One of 11 California Counties recognized by this national organization, Solano's unique and innovative PEAK initiative was honored for its collaborative structure, leveraging of funds and replicability.

PEAK is a jointly-funded project of First 5 Solano and Solano County Health and Social Services (H&SS) Mental Health Division.  H&SS utilized Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) planning and implementation funds to partner with First 5 Solano on a comprehensive continuum of early mental/developmental health services for children aged 0-5.  

“First 5 Solano and Solano County H&SS Mental Health Division have become statewide leaders for young children’s mental and developmental health services with the successful implementation of PEAK,” said Debbee Gossell, First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission Chair.  “PEAK leverages the best quality services at the most efficient cost for the highest return on investment.”  

The project grew out of a year-long, countywide collaborative development of the “Solano Early Developmental Health Strategic Plan” in 2007, developed by partners across the spectrum of mental and developmental health services - pediatricians and hospitals, state early childhood developmental services, and parents, as well as non-profit, education, special education, mental health, child welfare and public health services providers.  

“We are excited that the PEAK program has received national recognition,” said Glenda Lingenfelter, interim Deputy Director of Health & Social Services, Mental Health Division. “The collaboration among the agencies that provide services for young children is a model for others in Solano and across the state.”

PEAK is partially funded by the Mental Health Services Act, which was passed in 2004 to provide additional funding for county mental health services, including dedicated funds for prevention and early intervention. A community planning process identified very young children as a population in need and, in 2009, Solano County Mental Health partnered with First 5 Solano to fund prevention and early intervention services for children ages 0-5. 

PEAK features parent and provider education and support, outreach, early identification, screening, assessment and treatment.  PEAK partners are First 5 Solano and H&SS Mental Health Division, Children’s Nurturing Project, EMQ FamiliesFirst, Child Start Inc., Youth and Family Services, Solano Family and Children’s Services, North Bay Regional Center, Dixon Family Services, Solano County Office of Education/Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) and Child Haven.

Posted: Aug. 30, 2010