Testing a Scalable Model for Adverse Childhood Experiences-Related Care Coordination via 211 Telephone-Based Services

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Social Work

Background:

• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can negatively impact child health.
• Connecting families with ACEs to supportive services is crucial for mitigating toxic stress.
• Real-world effectiveness of ACEs screening and care coordination requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of telephone-based community care coordination via 211LA for families with children screened for ACEs.
• To compare referral rates and service utilization between 211LA + usual care and usual care alone.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving families of children (0-11 years) with ACEs in Southern California.
• Participants were randomized to either 211LA + usual care or usual care alone.
• Outcomes, including referrals and services, were assessed at baseline and approximately 4 months later using chi-squared tests.

Main Results:

• Intervention group families showed significantly higher rates of referrals (86% vs. 17%), agency connection (68% vs. 15%), and service utilization (32% vs. 11%).
• Families reported high satisfaction with the 211LA service.
• No significant changes in family or child health outcomes were observed at follow-up.

Conclusions:

• 211LA care coordination effectively increased service referrals and connections for families with ACEs.
• 211LA and similar services are well-positioned for ACEs screening and care coordination.
• Larger, longer-term studies are recommended to assess health outcome changes.