BEGINNINGS: An interim individualized family service plan for use in the intensive care nursery

The article describes BEGINNINGS, an interim Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for use in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It discusse s the rationale that supports the process, a description of the format, and recommendations for its implementation. BEGINNINGS initiates early interve ntion services for infants and their families while infants are still in th e NICU. In addition, BEGINNINGS can help identify supports for families as soon as their eligibility is determined and facilitate their transition to community services after the infant is discharged from the hospital Finally , BEGINNINGS focuses on the developmental needs of newborns and is designed for use by NICU personnel, community service coordinators, and families of infants with special needs. As such, it conforms with the demands of busy intensive care nurseries while it adapts the requirements for an IFSP to th e special developmental needs of newborns.