MU Center for Child Well-Being hosts grand opening celebration

The University of Missouri recently held a grand opening celebration for the mid-Missouri community, marking the launch of the new Center for Child Well-Being Housed in Columbia, Missouri, the Center is dedicated to supporting parents, caregivers, childcare professionals and community organizations in fostering the mental health and well-being of children.

Laine Young Walker, MD, chair of the Department of Psychiatry, oversees the eight individual programs now housed within the Center for Child Well-Being. Collectively, the team addresses a wide range of child health issues with a comprehensive and compassionate approach.

The Center’s programs have a presence in every Missouri county, where the center partners with parents, caregivers, educators and community leaders to provide a healthy and supportive environment for children to thrive.

“This center unites our core programs with one shared goal: to ensure that every child in Missouri has the opportunity to thrive emotionally, socially and developmentally,” said Young Walker. “To the families we serve, I want to say we see you and we’re here for you. Whether you’re navigating trauma, postpartum anxiety, behavioral challenges, or looking for someone to talk to, you’re not alone and our Center’s work is for you.”

Richard J. Barohn, MD, executive vice chancellor for health affairs and Hugh E. and Sarah D. Stephenson dean of the School of Medicine, noted the center’s alignment with the medical school’s mission to serve not just patients, but whole communities through interdisciplinary research, clinical care and education.

“This center’s programs reflect the complexity and interconnectedness of childhood development,” said Barohn. “They’re made possible by nearly $15 million in active funding from federal, state and local sources, which is an extraordinary testament to the confidence these funders place in Dr. Young Walker’s leadership and in the quality of care our teams provide.”

The Center for Child-Well Being offers a comprehensive portfolio of impactful programs designed to improve child well-being and support those who care for them.

Therapeutic Programs

The Bridge Program: School-Based Psychiatry

• In partnership with Boone County Schools, Bridge delivers essential psychiatric evaluations and treatment for school-aged children facing emotional or behavioral health challenges – addressing the urgent need for timely care while bridging the gap to long-term community-based services.
• Funding provided by Boone County Children’s Services Fund.

The Child Trauma Initiative (CTI)

• CTI provides specialized trauma-informed, evidence-based therapeutic services specifically designed for children aged 0-18 and their families who’ve experienced traumatic events or losses.
• Funding provided by the Boone County Children’s Services Fund and the Substance Use & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Psychiatry Access Programs

Missouri Child Psychiatry Access Project (MO-CPAP) and MO-CPAP Schools

• MO-CPAP provides health care and social service providers across Missouri with fast, expert support in addressing mental and behavioral health concerns in children and adolescents. With same-day consultations, the program connects providers with valuable resources, including therapy and support groups.
• This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U4CMC32326, Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program, with a total award amount of $2,125,000, 20% financed with non-governmental sources. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

Maternal Health Access Project (MHAP)

• MHAP is designed to increase the capacity of perinatal care providers throughout Missouri to diagnose and treat their pregnant and postpartum patients’ mild to moderate mental and behavioral health conditions.
• This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number, UK3MC50375, Screening and Treatment for Maternal Depression and Related Behavioral Disorders Program, total award amount $3,301,807, 10% financed with nonfederal sources. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government. Additionally, this project is supported by funding provided by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

Early Childhood Programs

Boone County Early Childhood Coalition (BCECC)

• BCECC is a network of professionals dedicated to supporting the well-being of children in early childhood through collaboration, education and empowerment. It includes a screening program and a Positive Parent Program (PPP).
• Funding provided by Boone County Children’s Services Fund.

Early Childhood Positive Behavior Support (EC-PBS)

• EC-PBS offers foundational trainings, onsite coaching and parenting support groups in childcare programs in Boone County, focusing on creating and sustaining positive environments and interactions.
• Funding provided by Boone County Children’s Services Fund.

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Initiative

• IECMH supports childcare professionals so they can effectively respond to children’s behavior in ways that promote social and emotional competencies and reduce challenging behaviors.
• Funding provided by the Missouri Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood.

Children’s Health Integration, Learning and Development Project

The Missouri Children’s Health, Integration, Learning and Development (MO CHILD) Project

• MO CHILD partners with Missouri’s Children’s Division to provide expert clinical consultation focused on the behavioral and physical health needs of children in state custody. The program helps improve mental health care for children in foster care, ensuring their needs are met while reducing unnecessary psychotropic medications.
• Funding provided by the Department of Social Services.