A University of Missouri School of Medicine researcher who oversees the Center for Child Well-Being in Columbia has received a $2-million from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The grant is aimed at promoting the healthy social and emotional development of Missouri children. Columbia-based MU Health Care says Dr. Laine Young-Walker is the grant’s principal investigator. Dr. Young-Walker is expected to implement an infant and early childhood mental health initiative and will also consult Missouri’s child care directors and professionals to support the social and emotional development of children in their care.
Dr. Young-Walker predicts the program will have a positive impact on Missouri families by reducing the risk of children being removed from a care facility, which can pose challenges for parents who try to continue to work.
