This policy "alert" summarizes two studies addressing implementation of early intervention for families with infants and toddlers with special needs. The first study examined the distribution of sociodemographic factors associated with underutilization of health and social services. These include poverty, maternal employment, ethnic minority status, large family size, low maternal education, and teen motherhood. They found that 10 percent of young children and 20 percent of minority children have at least 3 of the key factors associated with service underutilization and only 7 percent have none of these factors. The second study examined 13 "Year 4" applications for Part H funds for general and specific policies aimed at reaching populations typically underserved. Specifically, it looked for: (1) policies to impact on families' perceptions of problems and needs; (2) policies to enhance enabling factors; (3) policies to empower families; and (4) policies to monitor and support services to minorities. Results indicated that, although all applications reflected the spirit of the law, very few of the applications specified how general principles would be put into operation. (Two references) (DB)