Early Childhood

Congress should require states to extend Medicaid coverage for 12 months postpartum.

Congress should pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (Momnibus 2.0) package, which includes 13 bills to address alarming disparities in Black maternal health.

The Department of Education (DOE) should build a standardized framework for schools to implement the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework, establish dashboards for data collection and resources libraries on the MTSS framework, establish a certification program that recognizes districts that have implemented MTSS best practices, and establish a permanent position for school-based Medicaid services to support state education agencies in implementation.The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) should also clarify that Tier 1 supports under MTSS include prevention and early intervention services under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit.

Congress should pass legislation to increase investments to support infants, children, youth, and families who have experienced, or may experience, trauma such as the Rise from Trauma Act.

Congress should pass legislation like the Strengthen Kids’ Mental Health Now Act to increase community-based provider rates and expand the capacity and availability of pediatric mental health services.

Congress should direct resources (research, grants, guidance) to domestic violence and intimate partner violence (IPV) by passing the Protect Moms from Domestic Violence Act.