HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Director Sheila Hogan has announced a new division has been created within the department to better coordinate existing services for children and families.
The new Early Childhood and Family Support Division consolidates several programs within DPHHS to improve collaboration and align funding, priorities and practices.
The ECFSD brings together child care licensing, early childhood services including financial assistance and quality improvement, early intervention services for young children with developmental delays, child nutrition programs, home visiting, and child, adolescent and family health programs.
Jamie Palagi, who has served as the DPHHS Human and Community Services Division administrator for the past eight years, will lead the new division.
In a statement, Palagi said, “I see this as an opportunity to partner with communities, providers, and families to ensure children have what they need to thrive.”
