We have a discussion going in the office — should pediatricians screen for poverty during well child checks? The American Academy of Pediatrics is proposing that pediatricians’ offices ask parents, “Do you have difficulty making ends meet at the end of the month?”
The question poses some rather interesting scenarios. One concern is that if families think they will be judged for their answers, are they likely to withhold information? Also, if a parent does reveal their struggles, what is the doctor to do? Perhaps the recently announced“Community Connections” grant received by National Center Parents As Teachers on behalf of the Springfield Parents As Teachers and Every Child Promise can help.
Parent educators are being trained to increase their reach and assist families with a host of challenges, including helping them find concrete support in times of need. Having a parent educator in the doctor’s office just might help connect families in need with resources they are seeking, including information, food and other critical necessities.
[For more of this story, written by Dana Carroll, go to http://www.news-leader.com/sto...ild-checks/81661312/]
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