Supporting Children with Complex Needs
A Focus on Children’s Health & Well-Being and A New Paradigm for Multi-System Care
In 2025, ACL and SAMHSA funded a project employing a multi-faceted research methodology analyzing data and information to (1) explore and define the needs of children identified as complex (2) identify the type of services and supports that are effective for children with complex needs, and 3) describe a multi-system, collaborative approach to delivering and funding services.
New Publication: Cross-Systems Strategies to Support Children with Complex Behavioral Health Conditions
The Link Center is excited to announce the release of a new groundbreaking publication, Cross-System Strategies to Support Children with Complex Behavioral Health Conditions, authored by Nancy Thaler with contributions from Stacy L. Nonnemacher, PhD. This important resource responds directly to one of the most urgent challenges facing states and families: how to better support children with complex behavioral health needs who are often served across multiple systems, including behavioral health, child welfare, Medicaid, developmental disabilities, acquired brain injury, education, and juvenile justice.
Grounded in neuroscience and focused on practical systems change, the publication offers a framework for coordinated, community-based support built around three essential pillars: a place that is safe, treatment to heal, and opportunities to grow. State leaders, providers, families, and advocates will find actionable strategies to strengthen policy, service design, financing, data use, and cross-system collaboration — helping systems move beyond fragmented responses toward shared solutions that better meet the needs of children and families.
Accessibility Notice: Accessible versions of this document are available upon request. Please contact thelinkcenter@nasddds.org for assistance.
