The Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF) is leading a national and global movement to detect and intervene earlier in the lives of children with or at risk of cerebral palsy. Through our Early Detection and Intervention Network, we are transforming how cerebral palsy is identified and supported—shaping better futures through timely care, empowered families, and equitable systems.

Our Mission: Early Detection and Intervention for Every Child

Early diagnosis matters. It provides families with clarity, access to critical supports, and the opportunity to maximize neuroplasticity during a child’s most rapid developmental period. Yet, in too many places, delays in diagnosis result in missed opportunities for early, evidence-based care.To address this, CPF has established the first-of-its-kind Early Detection and Intervention Network—a collaborative, evidence-driven initiative spanning the U.S. and extending to global partners.

We Are Building A Network of Leading Clinics and Hospitals:

Screening More than 50,000 Infants Annually: Through partnerships with NICUs, high-risk infant follow-up programs, and pediatric clinics, we’re enabling the early use of tools like the HINE, GMA, and MRI to diagnose CP before 12 months of age.

CPF has trained over 4,000 healthcare providers and supports standardized early detection pathways in hospitals and clinics across 25+ states and 6 countries.

Equity at the Core: We partner with institutions serving underrepresented and marginalized communities to ensure that all children—regardless of background or geography—can access early diagnosis and support.

Global Collaboration: As part of a worldwide network of researchers, clinicians, and advocates, we support best practice implementation, capacity-building, and policy development in low-, middle-, and high-income countries.

Why It Matters

Children who receive early intervention demonstrate significantly improved motor, cognitive, and social outcomes.

Families who understand their child’s diagnosis earlier feel more empowered and supported.

Health systems benefit from earlier, more coordinated care—reducing costs and improving long-term outcomes.

Our Role as a Catalyst for Systems Change

CPF’s leadership in early detection and intervention is grounded in implementation science, equity, and partnership. From pioneering large-scale training efforts to co-developing national clinical guidelines, we are not just advancing research—we are ensuring that it reaches the children and families who need it most.