READY Project

Through a federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, CCFH convenes partners in early care and education, pediatrics, family support, mental health, and homeless services in a unified strategy called Responsive Early Access for Durham’s Young Children (READY).

The primary goal of the READY Project is to foster the healthy development and wellness of all young children in Durham County, preparing them to thrive in school and beyond. This includes expanding the use of evidence-based practices for preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders and for identifying and addressing behavioral concerns before they develop into serious emotional disturbances. While the project is designed to meet the needs of all children ages 0-8 in the county, it will give particular attention to those affected by racial disparities, substance abuse, homelessness, and parental military deployment.

No person on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, indigenous heritage, sex, gender, or sexual orientation shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any services or activities of the READY Project.

SERVICES

Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC)

ABC is a 10-session service for families with infants and toddlers ages 6 months to 4 years. ABC helps to build the attachment and connection between parents and very young children, and supports healthy social and emotional development.  It is designed for children and families who have experienced adversities (e.g. separation, parental mental health issues, or family violence) but may be helpful to any parent or caregiver who wants to form a stronger, healthier relationship with their young child. ABC services are supported by the READY Project so there is no cost to families!

ABC sessions are typically provided in the home for one hour each week for ten weeks. Families may choose to participate in ABC through video sessions with their parent coach. 

If you would like to learn more about ABC for your family or a family you work with, please complete the interest form below.

Nurturing Durham Resource Guide

Nurturing social and emotional development from birth to age 8 is one of the most important tools we have to build a healthy future for a child. But few parents can do it without support, and no parent should have to.

Fortunately, in our community, there are many programs that can help families nurture social, emotional, and mental health from the prenatal period through the critical early years. Created by the READY Project and Durham’s Early Childhood Mental Health Task Force, Nurturing Durham aims to introduce families to low or no-cost programs and help them find resources based on their needs or interests.

Learn More