An infant exposed to trauma, alcohol or other drugs prenatally enters the world with problems other newborns don’t have. If not identified and treated, these problems can rule out the possibility of a normal childhood and create problems and major challenges throughout life.

Each year, more than 1,000 babies in Monterey County experience prenatal exposure to trauma, alcohol and/or drugs. Even more are exposed to domestic violence and trauma postnatal. To help these little ones, professionals must intervene and treat them.

To do this, Door to Hope and Monterey County established MCSTART (for Monterey County Screening Team for Assessment, Referral and Treatment). Door to Hope is the lead agency in this collaboration.

Caring Treatment that Starts with Families

Prenatally exposed children have different needs. Parents and caregivers should strive to help the child overcome their challenges. They must serve as the child’s trusted anchor.

Our professionals, many of whom are bilingual, are all trained in this highly specialized area of medicine and behavioral health. They represent many disciplines and can provide the knowledge, support and special services required.

Children referred to the MCSTART clinic undergo a comprehensive assessment of their medical, cognitive, behavioral, social, emotional, and educational development. Parental functioning is also assessed. After completing the assessment, all evaluating professionals, involved agencies, practitioners and the family meet to develop appropriate treatment strategies.

To learn more about MCSTART, visit www.mcstart.org.

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