Newborn Screening and Follow-Up

Mission

The purpose of this program is to screen all newborns in Rhode Island for metabolic, endocrine, hemoglobin, hearing, and developmental risk factors to identify risks at the earliest possible point. If risk factors are identified as a result of screening, information and linkage to care related to these risk factors will provide diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up strategies to the newborns' parent(s) and caregivers. Outreach and home visits to children and families with specific risk factors are made to ensure that they receive follow-up care and support. Outreach visits are also made to families whose children have fallen out of care. Data about confirmed diagnoses related to metabolic and hearing screening is provided to national databases and is used for quality improvement and quality assurance with hospitals, specialty clinics, and primary care providers. Screening and follow-up policies are designed in collaboration with national and regional partners for early identification of maternal and infant risk, and linkage to services to prevent or mitigate poor health and/or developmental outcomes. A significant proportion of home visits are to children of racial and ethnic minority living in poverty. All home visits incorporate health and nutritional recommendations, support breastfeeding, and provide referrals to lactation consultants as necessary. First Connections home visiting ensures linkages to many community-based resources including WIC, Early Intervention, Family Support, and others. Children with indicated signs of abuse and/or neglect, or children who are identified for early Intervention, are screened for eligibility through a HEALTH partnership with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

2010 Accomplishments and Milestones

• Achieved 100% screening rates for all newborns in Rhode Island.

Programs Within

Newborn Bloodspot Screening

The purpose of this program is to screen all newborns in Rhode Island for metabolic, endocrine, hemoglobin, hearing, and developmental risk factors to identify risks at the earliest possible point. (more)

Rhode Island Hearing Assessment Program

To identify hearing problems early through newborn screening and diagnosis. Infants who are found to have a hearing loss are referred to services in the community. (more)

Home Visiting (First Connections)

Infancy and early childhood are important times in life—times when families need a variety of services.Our home visitors can link families to resources and services in their communities. (more)

Key Focus Areas

Newborn Developmental Risk Screening