View Research by Author - Fiona Adams

Publications

With less than two years to go before the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented, the State of Colorado is reasonably well positioned. A bipartisan foundation was built before the ACA became law, and stakeholders have largely worked collaboratively to begin putting various required policies and structures in place. Adopting a "Colorado-specific" version of health reform has been critical for state policymakers in responding to the ACA, and was a key factor in the successful passage of exchange legislation. Strong leadership, bipartisan political support, and continued aggressive action will be needed for Colorado to succeed in implementing reform on time.

Best Start LA is a place-based community investment in Los Angeles County designed to improve the well-being, development, and care experienced in children ages five and under. Focus groups with parents, home visitors, and community members -reveal that the investment is off to a good start. Mothers receiving "Welcome Baby!" home visiting were very satisfied with the education and support the service provides. Home visitors described the close bonds they form with their clients, but also feel that the program's model doesn't always meet families' extensive needs. Stakeholders involved in community mobilization efforts were excited about their early progress and shared vision for parents as the leaders.

A case study of the initial implementation of Best Start LA-a place-based community investment in Los Angeles County designed to improve the well-being, development, and care experienced by children ages five and under-finds mostly positive results, thus far. At the family level, home visiting for pregnant and parenting mothers is off to a strong start, rendering services to nearly 750 families by the end of 2010. Community-level efforts to mobilize community members and develop family-support strategies have been slower to develop. Systems-level investments to develop family-friendly policies and services across the county are proceeding on schedule.

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