The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) Family Health Services Division (FHSD) Children with Special Health Needs Branch (CSHNB) Project LAUNCH focuses on promoting positive mental health supports and services for children and families. Project LAUNCH is a federally funded program to promote wellness of young children birth through eight years of age. Project LAUNCH defines wellness as a state of positive physical, emotional, social, and behavioral health. The goal of Project LAUNCH is to identify and address mental and behavioral concerns before they develop into serious emotional disturbances. Project LAUNCH has identified three strategies to prevent mental and behavioral disorders: the first is to conduct health screenings to identify possible concerns early, the second is provide training to parents and families, and the third is to conduct infant and early childhood mental health consultation. Project LAUNCH seeks a qualified community-based, non-profit organization in Hawaii to design a Trauma-Informed Early Learning Center in Lahaina, Maui, that is comprehensive, culturally responsive aimed at promoting the social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral well-being of children from birth through age five (5). Grounded in trauma-informed care and family-centered practices, the Center provides integrated supports that address the impacts of adversity and promote resilience for children, families, and providers. It is envisioned that this Center will incorporate all three of the Project LAUNCH strategies to prevent mental and behavioral disorders.
