County to accept $775,000 revenue agreement to expand infant and early childhood mental health services

The Cuyahoga County Environment & Sustainability Committee voted April 30 to advance Resolution 20250164, authorizing a revenue-generating agreement with the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County for up to $775,000 to support Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) services. Shauna Rarman of Invest in Children said the agreement will transfer an administrative role to Invest in Children beginning in January and will bring an anticipated total provider package of about $1.4 million when combined with county funds.

Rarman detailed the funding breakdown: $775,000 from the ADAMHS agreement (of which $700,000 is provider match funding, $60,000 toward staff costs for administration, and $15,000 for an optional data system). She said Invest in Children expects the contract to support services for approximately 730 children per year, while acknowledging a waiting list exists and that referral coordination with other providers helps manage demand.

Alyssa Swiatek, associate director at Invest in Children, described IECMH services as relationship-based interventions designed for infants and young children and their caregivers. She listed child-parent psychotherapy (CPP), parent coaching and play-based therapeutic approaches used when children are not yet verbal. Rarman said more than half of children served are Black or African American and that many beneficiaries are in the city of Cleveland or inner-ring suburbs. She said Invest in Children uses the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (clinical versions) to measure protective factors and behavioral challenges and to inform provider strategies.

Chair Simon moved to advance the resolution to full council with a recommendation of suspension; the committee approved the motion by voice vote. Committee members commended Invest in Children for its metrics and asked for continued reporting on access and equity.