Vol. 34 (2025): Innovations and Models of Care in Health and Human Services: Advancing Care, Systems, and Policy for Complex Needs

Dear Reader,

For our December 2025 issue, we are excited to partner with Woods System of Care to explore “Innovations and Models of Care in Health and Human Services: Advancing Care, Systems, and Policy for Complex Needs.”

Across the country, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism, and behavioral health challenges, as well as other populations with complex care needs, continue to face barriers that prevent them from accessing the care and support they need to thrive. These barriers, such as provider shortages, fragmented systems, lack of services to address the social determinants of health, stigma, and insufficient behavioral health supports, leave many without the services essential for wellness, independence, and full participation in society[1].

The scale of these challenges is striking. CDC data[2] show that 1 in 31 children aged 8 years has autism, while roughly 1 in 6 children aged 3–17 live with a developmental disability, including ADHD, cerebral palsy, or blindness. Between 2019 and 2021, the prevalence of diagnosed developmental disabilities in children[3] rose from 7.4% to 8.56%. Mental health challenges are also widespread across the lifespan, affecting over 61 million U.S. adults through conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and co-occurring substance use disorders[4]. Yet access to mental health care remains limited due to a shortage of providers, inadequate insurance coverage, high out-of-pocket costs, fragmented care, and persistent stigma, which leaves many without the support they need[5]. Amid these complexities, family caregivers shoulder immense responsibility, navigating fragmented systems while providing extensive, often unpaid, care.

This issue explores four core themes: policy and systems for IDD and behavioral health, supportive and affordable housing, therapeutic, clinical, and technological innovations, and workforce, family, and community engagement. Articles explore advancements in trauma-informed and high-reliability psychiatric care, overdose prevention, residential behavioral health, and creative therapies such as music and arts interventions. The collection also highlights specialized education, oral health initiatives, family engagement, advocacy, and community-based models that promote independence and inclusion. Additionally, it addresses systemic solutions in public policy, workforce development, and supportive and affordable housing, offering practical insights and emerging strategies that are transforming care and improving outcomes for people with complex needs.

We hope this edition inspires community organizations, health systems, policymakers, and all stakeholders to embrace innovative, human-centered approaches. By working together, sharing knowledge, and advancing thoughtful policies, we can improve care, create greater opportunities, and empower individuals and communities.

Warm regards,
Tine Hansen-Turton, Guest Edition Curator and Editor, Woods System of Care

Nicholas Torres, Co-Founder, Social Innovations Journal

Meet the Authors Event - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a90WmTHANEc

References:

[1] Healthy Minds Policy Research. (2024, June 27). Barriers to care for people with co-occurring mental health disorders and intellectual and developmental disabilities. https://www.healthymindspolicy.org/research/barriers-to-care-for-people-with-co-occurring-mental-health-disorders-and-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities#:~:text=Identifying%20barriers%20to%20behavioral%20health,providers%20and%20families%20or%20caregivers

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, May 27). Data and statistics on autism spectrum disorder. https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html

[3] National Center for Health Statistics. (2023). Diagnosed developmental disabilities in children aged 3–17 years: United States, 2019–2021. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db473.htm

[4] National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2024). Mental health by the numbers. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/

[5] Association of American Medical Colleges. Exploring barriers to mental health care in the U.S. https://www.aamc.org/about-us/mission-areas/health-care/exploring-barriers-mental-health-care-us