Zero to Three DC 0-5 Project

The goal of this project was to increase the competence of NH's children's mental health workforce in diagnosing, assessing, and treating children 0-5, which will result in earlier identification and improved access to appropriate mental health services for children birth through age 6.

The NHAIMH worked closely with Zero to Three to assure a high quality, well-organized professional development experience for NH’s workforce. Zero to Three is well known and respected, regarding its work in equity and diversity. The DC 0-5 assessment and diagnostic manual has been found to be valid and reliable across cultures, and cultural considerations were addressed throughout the training process.

In 2020 – 2021 forty-nine qualified clinicians were trained to assess and diagnose children birth through six by using the DC 0-5. Of this group, approximately 65% were from community mental health centers, and 35% were from other settings, including private practice, private non-profit social service organizations and Early Supports and Services.

There is a monthly consult group for trained clinicians continuing until August 2022.

Funded by the NH Endowment for Health, with additional support from Children’s Behavioral Health