Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) and community partners have been working to improve the way that young children with serious emotional disturbances (SED) and their families are able to access mental health treatment, support, and other key services. Starting Early Together (SET) was developed to coordinate the mental health services and supports needed to meet the multiple and changing needs of young children (birth to six-years old) with serious emotional disturbances and their families in four local communities. The purpose of this evaluation is to collect interview data and collaborate in research efforts on the characteristics of children and families served; the extent services reflect System of Care principles, and the extent child and family outcomes improve over time.

SET is part of a national effort funded through SAMSHA that focuses on the needs of children (birth to 21 years) with serious emotional disturbances and their families.