Evaluating a diversion approach to a pregnant and post-partum program in two communities

Abstract Information: Building Changes has successfully worked with two communities on projects that integrated Diversion into Maternity Support Services (MSS)/Infant Case Management (ICM). The model for these two projects adapted the use of Diversion – a light touch and person-centered housing approach – within the maternal and child health sector. The model aims to meet the housing needs of individuals who were pregnant or post-partum and at risk of or experiencing homelessness where they are already receiving services. Diversion is an approach that empowers people to resolve their housing crises quickly, safely, and permanently. The model addresses people’s individual needs and provides them with agency and choice. MSS and Medicaid program that provides pregnant and postpartum people with health services. MSS and ICM are part of Washington state’s First Steps programs which aim to help low-income pregnant individuals get the health and social services they may need. These programs provide preventative health and education services to help individuals have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. MSS and ICM programs’ data also show that women of color are using these services comparatively more than their white peers and, in the past, has shown a significantly fewer low birth weights for Hispanic and African American mothers. Racial disparities in the homeless system also occur within maternal/child healthcare system. By pairing housing resources with home visiting programs, families of color have greater access to housing and health supports. This presentation shares the learnings from two providers in Pierce and Yakima doing this innovative work. With support from Building Changes, in 2016-2019 Pierce County implemented a pilot project that brought creative housing solutions conversations and Coordinated Entry access to pregnant and parenting families experiencing homelessness. Then, Building Changes launched a second iteration of this work operated from March 1, 2021, to March 31, 2023, on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic in Yakima County. We will discuss evaluating this model and how we assessed the effectiveness of this work.