Innovations Institute

Innovations Institute Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Innovations Institute, Medical and health, 38 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT.

Innovations Institute advances research-based, community centered, and transformative solutions for child-, youth-and family-serving public systems, and supports the workforce within these systems.

🧠💼 Children & Families Cannot Wait: Igniting Collective Action Following the announcement of the newly formed Children’s...
05/28/2026

🧠💼 Children & Families Cannot Wait: Igniting Collective Action

Following the announcement of the newly formed Children’s Behavioral Health Collective (CBH Collective), we are sharing 2 essential resources to help partners, providers, and policymakers take action: our Communications & Media Toolkit and the CBH Collective Infographic.

The need is urgent:
✅ 1 in 7 children ages 3–17 has a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition, & half of all MH conditions begin by age 14.
✅ Up to 80% of youth with MH needs do not receive adequate care.
✅ 60% to 70% of youth with MH needs have at least 1 co-occurring condition and often navigate 3 to 5 systems at once.

But coordinated, cross-system care can change outcomes for children and families.

📥 Use these tools to:
✅ Align messaging around early intervention and shared solutions
✅ Educate your community about building a seamless continuum of care

The solutions exist—and together, we can help children remain safely connected to their homes, schools, and communities.

🔗 Access the Communications & Media Toolkit: s.uconn.edu/cbhc-comms
🔗 Access the CBH Collective Infographic: s.uconn.edu/cbhc-infogra

🤝🌐 Announcing the Children’s Behavioral Health Collective (CBH Collective): We are thrilled to share that is a foundin...
05/27/2026

🤝🌐 Announcing the Children’s Behavioral Health Collective (CBH Collective): We are thrilled to share that is a founding member of the newly formed CBH Collective!

With approximately one in five children in the US experiencing a mental health condition each year, the need for community- and home-based behavioral health services has never been more urgent. Too often, gaps in care lead children and youth into systems like child welfare and juvenile justice, which can further exacerbate trauma.

No single organization can fix these systemic gaps alone. That is why the CBH Collective brings together extensive national expertise across sectors to transform child-serving systems, advance cross-sector collaboration, and develop solutions grounded in data, evidence, and lived experience.

As a collective, we are uniquely positioned to strengthen the national continuum of care by developing actionable goals for policy, governance, and program implementation.

We are proud to stand alongside our incredible founding partners to achieve a lasting, collective impact for children, youth, and families:
Annie E. Casey Foundation
Casey Family Programs
Center for Adoption Support and Education
Center for Health Care Strategies
Chapin Hall
Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators - CJJA
Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association (FREDLA)
Foster Care Alumni of America, National
National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD)
Social Current
American Public Human Services Association - APHSA

👉 Read the full announcement on our website: s.uconn.edu/bhcollective

05/27/2026

💚 As Children’s Mental Health Action Month comes to a close, we’re reflecting on an important reminder: communities hold knowledge, wisdom, and solutions that deserve to be recognized, elevated, and invested in.

Too often, communities—particularly those historically marginalized—have developed practices that create healing, connection, and resilience long before formal systems acknowledged them. Community-Defined Evidence Practices (CDEP) challenge us to expand how we think about “evidence” by centering lived experience, culture, relationships, and community voice.

At , we believe children, youth, families, and communities should not just be recipients of services—they should help define what works.

Watch our new animation to learn more about CDEPs and why community-centered solutions matter for children’s mental health and wellbeing.

🎥: s.uconn.edu/cdep-cmham
Learn more about CDEPs: s.uconn.edu/cdep

In the latest episode of , Kim Estep, Director of Systems Design and Implementation Strategies at , shares the story o...
05/27/2026

In the latest episode of , Kim Estep, Director of Systems Design and Implementation Strategies at , shares the story of the child and family team meeting that changed her perspective—and ultimately shaped decades of work supporting children, youth, and families.

But the conversation doesn't stop there.

💚 In a special wrap-up discussion for Children's Mental Health Action Month, hosts Covi and Conan, along with producer Nic Handley explore how everyday actions—putting down our phones, getting to know our neighbors, spending time in shared community spaces, and reaching out to others—can help reduce isolation and strengthen the connections that children and families need to thrive.

Because meaningful support isn't just professional. It's human. It's local. And it's something we can all help create.

🎧 Listen now & join us in taking action for children's mental health: s.uconn.edu/kim-unwrap

05/22/2026

💚 Action for Children’s Mental Health: In the Moment 🧠🤝

When a young child is overwhelmed, the goal isn’t to “fix” their behavior—it’s to help them feel safe, calm, and supported. As part of , we’re sharing our “In the Moment” practice guide for caregivers.

The guide focuses on 3 simple steps:
1️⃣ Regulate Yourself: Stay calm and grounded so you can support the child.
2️⃣ Co-Regulate Together: Model calm, offer comfort, and practice calming strategies together.
3️⃣ Problem-Solve: Once the child is calm, help them name the problem and explore solutions.

Take Action:
📄 Download the one-pagers: s.uconn.edu/pyr-handouts
💭 Reflect: Which step helps you most when a child is struggling?

05/21/2026

💚 Action for Children’s Mental Health: Small Moments, Big Impact 🧠✨

Supporting a young child’s emotional well-being doesn’t always require big changes. Often, the most meaningful moments happen during everyday routines.

As part of Children’s Mental Health Action Month, we’re sharing our “Small Moments, Big Impact” guide—simple ways to turn daily activities into opportunities for connection, learning, and comfort.

✨ Try these ideas today:
🛒 At the grocery store: Talk about colors, shapes, and practice patience together.
🛁 During bath time: Sing songs, describe sensations, and create a calming routine.
🧺 While folding laundry: Explore textures and enjoy cozy connection time.
🚗 In the car: Play “I-Spy” or talk about your day together.

Take Action:
📄 Download the one-pagers: s.uconn.edu/pyr-handouts
🔗 Learn more about PIEC: s.uconn.edu/piec
💭 Reflect: What small moment made you and a child smile today?

05/19/2026

💚 At , we know that early relationships and everyday interactions help shape lifelong wellbeing. That’s why we’re excited to share a series of early childhood videos from our PIEC team focused on the , which offers practical tools to support young children and the adults who care for them.

Action for Children’s Mental Health: Grounding with the 5 Senses 🧠✨

When emotions feel overwhelming, helping a child reconnect to the present moment can make a big difference. This simple grounding exercise uses the five senses to help children calm their minds and bodies.

Try asking them to name:
5️⃣ things they see
4️⃣ things they can touch
3️⃣ things they hear
2️⃣ things they can smell
1️⃣ thing they can taste

This technique can help reduce stress and support co-regulation in the moment.

Take Action:
📄 Download the 1-pagers: s.uconn.edu/pyr-handouts
💬 Reflect: What helps the children in your life feel calm and grounded?

05/18/2026

💚 “Think about the kids that are in your life and engage with them in a way that brings about resilience and support.”

In last week's special bonus episode of , our executive director Michelle Zabel reminded us that supporting children’s mental health is not just the responsibility of formal systems—it’s something all of us can do in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.

This , let’s move beyond awareness and into action by showing up for the young people in our lives with connection, encouragement, and care.

🎧 Watch the clip and listen to the full episode: s.uconn.edu/mz-unwrap

💚 Today, we join the Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association in celebrating Parent Peer Support Partner (PP...
05/14/2026

💚 Today, we join the Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association in celebrating Parent Peer Support Partner (PPSP) Appreciation Day—a day dedicated to recognizing the parents and caregivers who walk alongside families with empathy, lived experience, and unwavering support.

PPSPs play a vital role in helping families navigate complex systems, build confidence, access resources, and feel less alone. Their advocacy, compassion, and leadership strengthen communities and improve outcomes for children, youth, and families every day.

Want to take action this ? Use the 2026 PPSP Appreciation Day Toolkit to celebrate in your own organization or community! Share the value of parent peer support, spotlight the impact of PPSPs, or simply take a moment to thank a PPSP in your life.

🔗 Access the toolkit: s.uconn.edu/ppsp-day

🎧 New Care Coordination Field Guide: Skills on the Go episode!In this short-form companion episode of , Covi and Conan ...
05/13/2026

🎧 New Care Coordination Field Guide: Skills on the Go episode!

In this short-form companion episode of , Covi and Conan explore one of the most challenging—and impactful—skills in care coordination: listening without interruption.

From embracing silence to resisting the urge to “fix,” this practical conversation highlights how slowing down and staying present can strengthen relationships with families and deepen understanding.

🎧 Listen now: s.uconn.edu/ccfg3

💚 A special guest. A timely conversation. An important month.In a bonus episode released this week, 's very own executi...
05/12/2026

💚 A special guest. A timely conversation. An important month.

In a bonus episode released this week, 's very own executive director Michelle Zabel joins the podcast for an honest conversation with Covi and Conan about leadership, systems, change, and what taking action for children's mental health really looks like.

💬 “This is really a call to support children to grow and mature and become the people that we know they can all be.”

If you care about children, families, and the systems that support the, you won't want to miss this one!

🎧 Tune in: s.uconn.edu/mz-unwrap

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