Project Overview

Family Service of San Antonio contracted with the Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing (TXICFW) to evaluate the Early Childhood Well-Being (ECWB) program. This program provides trauma-informed services to improve mental and behavioral health outcomes for children ages 0–12 in Bexar County, Texas. The evaluation will assess program impact, identify areas for improvement, and inform ongoing efforts to strengthen services for children and families affected by trauma.

Project Purpose & Design

The Family Service Early Childhood Wellbeing program aims to improve mental and behavioral health outcomes for children ages 0 to 12 who have experienced abuse, neglect, and trauma and are currently or were formerly involved in the child welfare system in Bexar County, Texas. Through trauma-informed early intervention, caregiver support, and training for professionals, the program aims to promote resilience and healing while strengthening the capacity of the systems that serve these children.

The program evaluation will use a mixed-methods design to assess the impact of ECWB on children’s mental and behavioral health, caregivers’ parenting capacity, and professionals’ trauma-informed knowledge and practice. TXICFW will analyze standardized mental and behavioral health assessment data provided by Family Service and will gather additional feedback directly from families and professionals. Findings will be used to support continuous program improvement and strengthen trauma-informed systems of care for vulnerable children and families.