Children and Youth with Special Health Needs (CYSHN)
Programs
- Birth Defects Monitoring and Analysis
- Early Hearing Detection and Intervention
- Follow Along Program
- Longitudinal Follow-up for Newborn Screening Conditions
Related Sites
Contact Info
Follow Along Program Redesign
Overview
What is the Follow Along program redesign?
Funds from the Healthy Beginnings, Healthy Families Act are driving the development of culturally and linguistically inclusive resources and strategies for families that are participating in the program or are eligible to participate.
Priorities
- Equity and engagement.
- Electronic platform and data system.
- Connection to supports and services.
- Extend age eligibility to kindergarten.
Evaluation metrics
- Primary audience / target population outreach.
- Response and caregiver follow-up.
- Availability of materials.
- Connection to services.
Why is the Minnesota Department of Health redesigning the Follow Along program?
- To increase awareness of the Follow Along program amongst key populations with young children (birth-to-kindergarten) in communities throughout Minnesota.
- To reduce language, cultural, and other barriers that may prevent families from participating in the Follow Along program or connection to supports and services.
- To support and encourage families enrolled in the Follow Along program to participate regularly.
What is the timeline for each of the tactics in the redesign?
| Phase | Time Period | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| Exploration | 2023-2024 |
|
| Installation | 2024-2025 |
|
| Initial Implementation | 2025-2026 |
|
| Full Implementation | 2026-2027 |
|
About the community connector organizations
The Follow Along Program has contracted with eight community connector organizations across Minnesota through June 2025. Staff at these organizations offer culturally and linguistically inclusive outreach and navigation support to families as they enroll and engage in the program.
- Baby's Space
- FamilyWise
- Centro Tyrone Guzman
- Change, Inc.
- Steele County Community Health Board
- Healthy Community Initiative
- Restoration for All, Inc.
- Project FINE
In 2024, the program reached approximately 500 new children. Ongoing community of learning meetings with connectors and local public health providers are offering valuable insights, which will inform the creation of a strategy and resource guide as part of the Follow Along program redesign.
About the community engagement team
The community engagement team consists of families, people with special health needs and disabilities, local and Tribal public health staff, interagency state partners, and other follow along program partners. The team meets monthly and provides feedback to inform program updates.