Black baby at-risk contributing factors
Black Babies Developmental Risk:
- The rate of preterm birth in the United States is highest for black infants (14.2%), followed by American Indian/Alaska Natives (11.6%), Hispanics (9.8%), Whites (9.2%) and Asian/Pacific Islanders (8.8%).
- The incidence of low birth weight (weight less than 2500 g) was 13.2 percent among infants of U.S.-born Black women and 7.1 percent among infants of African-born Black women, as compared with 4.3 percent among infants of U.S.-born white women (relative risks, 3.1 and 1.6, respectively).
- Independent studies show that as early as preschool Black boys are suspended and expelled at an alarmingly higher rate than similarly situated children in other racial groups.
Problem statement
There are significant disparities in correct diagnosis and access to health and early intervention services to Black babies who are at risk of a developmental delay and disabilities.
Black babies and families are not getting access to timely and crucial information to support in identifying potential for developmental delays and or disabilities.
Some systems of care are ill-informed or unaware of the about the qualifications and referral process to access early interventions services offered through Regional Centers Early Start departments.
Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Early Start
Early Start/Intervention Resources
- Early Start Information Packet A comprehensive guide to navigating Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and Early Start programming and resources
- San Gabriel/ Pomona Regional Early Intervention Program
- Inland Regional Center Early Intervention Program
- Family Resources
black baby resource document
Purpose: A comprehensive list of resources to assist you with your beautiful newborn and give you a head start on getting access to services that will help you and your family thrive.
List of Resources:
- CA Department of Disabilities
- DDS Early Start Information packet
- CDC Know the Signs
- San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SGPRC)
- Parent's Place Family Resource Center (PPFRC)
- Inland Regional Center Early Start Family Resource Network (ESFRN)
- Black Infant Health (BIH)
- First 5 LA
- Help me Grow African American Infant & Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative
- Mocha Moms Inc. & CinnaMoms
- Sickle Cell Disease Foundation
Black Baby Listening session
Coming Soon...
DDS & Regional Centers complaint and appeal process
Early Start/Intervention Resource
Purpose: If denied entry to ES or denied or reduced services
- DDS Early Start Appeals Process
- The Lanterman Act (the law in which Regional Centers must abide by when coordinating services)
- The Lanterman Act Appeals Information Packet
- The Office of Ombudsperson assists regional centers and families to access their regional center services available under the Lanterman Act
- (OCRA) Office of Clients Rights/Disability Rights California (Advocates assigned to each regional center)
- Regional Center Appeals Process (when denied services even for new potential clients)
service access & Equity Partners
Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SGPRC)
San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SGPRC)
The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) works to ensure Californians with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to make choices and lead independent, productive lives as members of their communities in the least restrictive setting possible.
San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SGPRC)
San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SGPRC)
San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SGPRC)
San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center works in partnership with individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, service providers, and the community, to promote choice, empowerment, independence, and full inclusion into community life.
Inland Regional Center (IRC)
San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SGPRC)
Inland Regional Center (IRC)
Inland Regional Center is a government non-profit agency that provides support to people with support to people with intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. The currently provide services to over 42,000 clients
Family Resource Center Network
Early Start Family Resource Network (ESFRN)
Parents Place Family Resource Center
A coalition of Early Start Family Resource Centers whom support families of children with disabilities, special healthcare needs, and those at risk by ensuring the continuance, expansion, promotion and quality of family-centered, parent-directed, Family Resource Centers.
Parents Place Family Resource Center
Early Start Family Resource Network (ESFRN)
Parents Place Family Resource Center
Serving the San Gabriel and Pomona valleys, we are committed to supporting and enhancing family focused services in a parent driven atmosphere for families who have children with special needs,
0-22 years of age.
Early Start Family Resource Network (ESFRN)
Early Start Family Resource Network (ESFRN)
Early Start Family Resource Network (ESFRN)
The Early Start Family Resource Network provides a coordinated network of parent-to-parent support through Riverside and San Bernardino Counties in California. The ESFRN provides support services which include education, resources, and training to families with children who are at risk for or are experiencing delays or disabilities.
empowering parents through resources
Click below to find a comprehensive list of educational resources, programs, and organizations aimed at helping you raise your little one.
Our Partners
Jazmine Blackman, MA Early Intervention Program Director at Carousel Developmental Services
Jazmine Blackman is the Owner/Director of Carousel Developmental Service, an infant development program serving the San Gabriel Pomona Valley and Inland Empire. Her goal is to see underserved families of infants and toddlers with special needs have the supports needed to thrive. In addition to working in home with infants and toddlers, Jazmine spends her time supporting the Infant Development Association of California as the Co-Chair of the Social Media Committee, Community Representative for the State Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Intervention, and with local organizations focused on educating black families about the Regional Center system and how poor maternal health outcomes impact baby’s long term.
She received her bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders with a minor in Child Development from California State University, Fullerton. Master’s in Public Administration and Public Health from the University of LaVerne. She is a Children’s Hospital Los Angeles/USC California Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (CA-LEND) Public Health Fellowship graduate.
She enjoys indoor cycling, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Maisha Sebastiany, MBA DEI Strategist , CEO MAS Diversity Consultancy
Maisha Sebastiany is an educator, filmmaker, and activist with a background in leadership development. She has worked alongside business, nonprofits, and university across the country to increase policymakers capacity to develop sustainable strategy for effective systems change.
She previously served as the Director of both the New York City Mayor's Youth Leadership Council and the City Youth Council before pivoting her experience as a facilitator and trainer, into MAS Diversity Consultancy. Here she brings a creative energy, compassion, and authenticity to workshops that help stakeholders navigate courageous conversations on racism and social justice.
Maisha is also the founder of the non-profit Urban Activist Academy located in the San Gabriel Valley which cultivates cultural sensitivity in young actors and writers committed to utilizing ilm and television as a platform for social justice.
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