The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of early childhood mental health consultation (ECMHC) on teacher-level and child-level outcomes in the context of a partnership between community mental health centers in three regions of Arkansas and publically funded early education programs (14 intervention sites and 4 comparison sites). From 2005 to 2008, 193 teachers participated in the study, along with 1,448 children. Data-collection activities included structured classroom observations, teacher ratings of children's strengths and behavior, and teacher surveys to assess satisfaction with ECMHC services. Results suggest that teachers were highly satisfied with the consultation services and that teachers receiving the intervention had lower levels of permissiveness and detachment, with a trend toward higher levels of sensitivity in interactions with children in their classroom. In terms of child outcomes, we found that by the third year of the project, children at intervention sites were rated by their teachers as having fewer behavior problems and more protective factors.

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ABSTRACT:The goal of the current study was to examine the impact of the frequency of two types of early childhood mental health consultation (ECMHC) activities (time spent in the class and time spent meeting with teachers) on teacher-child interactions, use of positive classroom-management techniques, and the intent to quit the childcare profession. We addressed these questions with a sample of 115 teachers from private childcare settings participating in a midlength (6-8 months) consultation partnership, using pre-and posttest data collected from structured classroom observations and teacher surveys. Results suggest that ECMHC time spent in the classroom was associated with less teacher punitiveness, permissiveness, and detachment, and more use of positive classroom-management strategies at the posttest assessment (controlling for baseline teacher behaviors). The frequency of meetings with teachers did not impact teacher-child interactions; however, in an exploratory analysis, the frequency of meetings with the teacher was associated with a reduction in teachers' intent to leave the profession of childcare.

The southern U.S. has both high HIV and incarceration rates in comparison to its population. As in the rest of the country, HIV prevention is based on education, behavior change, and biomedical efforts, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This study examined the implementation of an educational intervention and supportive services to obtain PrEP in a population of individuals (N = 218) involved in an Adult Drug Court (ADC) or on probation or parole (P-P). Nearly all ADC and P-P participants self-reported risk behaviors linked to HIV acquisition. Results supported the acceptance and usefulness of the intervention as rated by participants. Participants showed increased knowledge of HIV risks and testing post-education. In multivariate analysis, predictors of interest in using PrEP included low stigma beliefs, specifically their level of prejudice views, high depressive symptoms, and white race. The intervention shows promise. Given the high risk documented for ADC and P-P individuals, HIV prevention is a critical component for increased protective behaviors.

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