Help Me Grow Texas

In 2019, Texas began implementing the Help Me Grow (HMG) System Model. The model helps states and communities leverage existing resources. The model is made up of four core components that work together to promote optimal child development.

With the model, communities can:

• Identify vulnerable children;
• Link families to community-based services; and
• Empower families to support their child’s optimal development.

DSHS Maternal and Child Health Unit leads HMG Texas. We provide administrative oversight, technical assistance, and guidance for HMG Texas as it evolves. Our mission is to help build statewide early childhood systems so communities can support the optimal health, development, and well-being of Texas children.

We want all Texas children to have access to care that is:

• Child-focused;
• Family-driven;
• Community-based;
• Culturally grounded; and
• Sustainable.

Child Health Providers in Help Me Grow (HMG) Texas Communities

Child health providers are uniquely positioned to identify children at risk for developmental delay or behavioral problems. They play an important role in working with families to track children's development. Thus, HMG staff members conduct targeted outreach with providers through office-based education, trainings, and workshops. From there, they can educate and motivate providers in establishing developmental surveillance and screening and using HMG in their work.  

HMG Texas affiliates are looking for Physician Champions to serve as a key role in developing a HMG system. The Physician Champion takes on the following duties:

• Attend outreach trainings at doctors’ offices as available;  
• Market HMG to physician community to bridge sector gap; and  
• Promote developmental screening and referrals.  

Parents, Families, and Caregivers in Help Me Grow (HMG) Texas Communities

All children benefit from an organized community resources system to help them thrive. A community resources system can include health care, quality early learning experiences, healthy nutrition, and parent support. However, a disorganized system can be difficult for families to access resources for their children. It can also be challenging for service providers to connect families to needed support.

Therefore, families benefit as HMG listens to them, links them to services, and provides ongoing support. HMG is available to all children ages 0-8, including those whose families may have concerns or want to learn more about their child’s development.

Help Me Grow Texas At-A-Glance​

(September 1, 2020 – August 31, 2023):

• HMG Texas served 19,012 families through activities conducted by HMG Centralized Access Points intended to support development promotion, early identification, referral and linkage, inclusive of basic needs and family supports; and
• HMG Texas communities conducted 9,520 developmental screeners through HMG-led events, activities, or Centralized Access Points.

 HMG Texas Affiliates:

Help Me Grow Texas Map: 

Download FY24-HMG-Texas-Map

Contact Us

Please contact us at HMGTexas@dshs.texas.gov if you have questions. 

More Information

Find more information about Help Me Grow at helpmegrownational.org.

The Texas Department of State Health Services does not endorse external links to other websites or documents created by other agencies. These links and documents are informational and may not be accessible to persons with disabilities.