County hears progress report on universal developmental screenings and dyadic care pilot

Santa Clara County health system and community partners told the County’s Children, Seniors and Families Committee on April 24 that a multi‑partner effort to expand universal developmental screening and introduce dyadic behavioral health services in pediatric primary care has shown rising screening and service numbers but still faces billing and workforce challenges.

The report came from Serena Sai, Director of Operations for Primary Care at Santa Clara Valley Health and partners from First 5, UCSF and Bay Area Community Health. Mike Gonzalez of First 5 said the initiative builds on work dating to 2013 and the county referral from 2020, and aims to embed “dyadic” approaches — treating the child and caregiver together — in high‑volume pediatric clinics.

Why it matters: County leaders said the project is timed with new Medi‑Cal benefits created under CalAIM that support dyadic services in primary care. Early childhood visits (many in a child’s first three years) are a key opportunity to identify developmental and behavioral concerns and intervene earlier, potentially reducing downstream needs for more intensive services.

What presenters reported - Program model…