Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Resources
Are looking for programs that provide early intervention and promote positive outcomes for children, families, and communities? Then keep on reading to learn more! Just remember that there is no “one size fits all” approach for [maltreatment] prevention. However, there are range of resources to support a collaborative approach and promote protective factors to reduce intensive interventions for children, families, and communities.
Did you know that The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services has a service called Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI)? PEI manages programs to help prevent child abuse and other bad outcomes; helps communities identify and meet their needs; shares tips for parents and information everyone can use to keep kids safe and recommends best practices and policies to reduce child abuse. PEI does not provide services directly. Instead, they contract with local nonprofits, governments, and schools by providing funding and other resources. According to PEI’s Outcomes Rider 20 Outcomes report (December 2022), they served over 60,000 children and families; 97.4% of children are remaining safe from maltreatment; 44.8% increase in family self-sufficiency through education programs; 100% of PEI early childhood programs are using evidence-based curriula; and 1,500,00 visits to GetParentingTips.Com (PEI’s flagship parenting website).
Why is PEI Important? Strong support activities, solutions, and resources will allow children and their families find solutions to get them back on track to “succeeding on their own.” PEI developed a Prevention Framework to “exemplify how the supports of strong communities intertwine to wrap around a family and promote their success.”
What role can I play here? Everyone has a role to play, and collaboration is key. Families, communities, health professionals, policy makers, and other stakeholders must come together in order to promote positive outcomes for children and their families. Services and supports before a crisis occurs can prevent the need for more intensive intervention. To learn more, check out “Actions You Can Take” for detailed information.
What type of programs are there in Tarrant County? According to the PEI service locator, there are seven programs offered from different organizations.
Family and Youth Success service provided by ACH Children & Family Services
Community Youth Development service provided by Tarrant County website
Healthy Outcomes Through Prevention And Early Support service provided by MHMR of Tarrant County
Texas Home Visiting service provided by Northwest Independent School District
Statewide Youth Services Network service provided by Texas Alliance of Boys and Girls
Texas Nurse-Family Partnership service provided by Tarrant County website
Statewide Youth Services Network service provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star
For more information, read the program descriptions and/or email PEINew@dps.texas.gov.
Written by Rebecca Rueda
