Description of the Program

The Early Intervention Program is a program that is a joint effort between the Cowlitz County Health Department and the State of Washington's Division of Children and Family Services. 

The mission of the Early Intervention Program is to improve the quality and availability of services to children when there is a potential risk of child abuse or neglect.  Through assessment, education and intervention, public health nurses help reduce the future need of more costly and more intrusive child maltreatment services for these families.

Related Health Department  Web Links

• Child and Family Health

• Childcare Consultation

• Children with Special Health Care Needs

• Children's Oral Health

• Immunizations

• Work First Referrals

What services are provided by Health Department professionals for Cowlitz County?

• Assessment of family health care, resource and education needs through home visits.

• Management of cases by public health nurses in partnership with Child Protective Services social workers.

• Formulation of plans to help families at risk.

• Aid in development of parenting and problem-solving skills by educating and consulting with families.

• Facilitation of access for families to health care and community resources.

• Collaboration with community partners to identify needed resources.

Who can participate?

Families with pre-adolescent children who are at potential risk for child abuse and neglect.  Parents who have children with specific health care needs; parents who need more information about child and infant care; prenatal, emotional and physical care.  Community resources are available to those families.

*This is a voluntary program.

Income level is not a factor. 

Fees and Appointment Information

Consultation with public health nurses and social workers is free to qualified participants.

Families may self-refer by calling the CPS intake at 1-800-281-2372 or the public health nurse at 360-501-2649.