Predicting the best care placement for children with behavioral health needs
Official title: Placement Success Predictor: Using Site-Customized Machine Learning Models to Predict the Best Level of Care Placement for Each Child's Behavioral Health Needs
Funded at Outcome Referrals INC · NIH-11046670 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on using smart computer programs to help find the best care options for kids who have behavioral health challenges, making sure they get the right support they need to thrive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Outcome Referrals INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Framingham, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $721,665 |
| NIH project number | 5R44MH125486-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046670 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-21 who have experienced maltreatment and require behavioral health support.
✕Less likely to help
Children who do not have behavioral health needs or those who are not in out-of-home placements may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop machine learning models that can accurately predict the most suitable level of care placement for children facing behavioral health challenges. By analyzing a wide range of data, the project seeks to improve decision-making processes for out-of-home placements, which are critical for the well-being of children who have experienced maltreatment. The approach involves using advanced predictive modeling techniques to assess individual needs and match them with appropriate care options, potentially reducing the number of placements and improving outcomes for these vulnerable children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better placement decisions that enhance the mental health and overall well-being of children in need of care.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using predictive modeling techniques in healthcare, suggesting that this approach could be effective in improving care placement decisions for children.
Where this research is happening
-
Outcome Referrals INC
Framingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trudeau, Kimberlee Jean — Outcome Referrals INC
- Study coordinator: Trudeau, Kimberlee Jean
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.