The Evidence:

A substantial amount of research in the area of brain development has shown that by the age of three, a child should have passed key milestones in emotional regulation, languages and motor skills.  Negative biological and environmental stressors can compromise the attainment of these crucial milestones and delay development.  Scientific evidence has linked delayed development to serious societal problems including juvenile delinquency, school failure, violent crime, and health problems or disabilities.  Increased public commitment to early intervention is therefore justified.

How can targeted early intervention programs help?

Interventions targeted at children who are most at risk may save a significant amount of state resources by reducing dependency on welfare, criminal justice involvement, health care and other costs.  Instead of becoming a burden to society, many of the children who benefit from IMH programs will become productive, tax-paying citizens.