DULCE Learning Collaborative Kickoff
In September, CTC-RI welcomed CNEMG Family Care Center and Coastal Toll Gate Pediatrics to the 15-month Developmental Understanding and Legal Collaboration for Everyone (DULCE) learning collaborative with an orientation and kickoff meeting.
With funding from UnitedHealthcare and the RI Department of Health, these practices will implement the DULCE approach that proactively addresses social determinants of health, promotes the healthy development of infants, and provides support to their parents, all during the precious and critical first 6 months of life. An identified Community Health Worker / Family Specialist staff member will be specially trained in child development, relational practice, and concrete support problem solving and work with an interdisciplinary team to connect families with resources and support. 1
The orientation and kickoff meeting had 29 participants, which included the participating practices, as well as practices that were interested in learning more. We were joined by the Center for Social Policy who provided a comprehensive DULCE overview, Medical Legal Partnership Boston with information about the local-level support that will be available to the practices, and the RI Association of Infant Mental Health who will be working with the practices to provide reflective and infant mental health consultation.
Link for more about DULCE. Link to session recording. Link to CSSP presentation. Link to CTC-RI presentation.