The EPDS is being updated the weekend of August 7, 2026. This tool is now a depression and anxiety assessment.
This article provides details on the new EPDS and specifically notes the updates.
Top - Header section
Updates
- Guardian demographic fields were removed since these exist on the guardian's data page
- Child selection removed - No child needs to be selected for this assessment
Details
Enter the date the assessment was conducted, the guardian conducted on and who conducted it.
Set a Next Due Date, if applicable, and check the Reminder box if you want a reminder set for the next time you need to conduct the EPDS.
Decline section
Updates
- None
Details
If a family declines the assessment, check the box. When checked, additional fields will show.
NOTE: When declined, the EPDS fields cannot be filled out.
Version
Updates
- This a new field / new feature
Details
If you only want to enter the Total Score and Anxiety Score manually, then leave the selection is "Short". Each score field has a watermark indicating what questions need to be summed up for that score.
If you need to enter all the scores, then select "Long".
In the Long version, Total Score and Anxiety score are automatically
Referral section
Updates
- Referral instructions have been updated to include Anxiety referral needs
- Illinois has different instructions (see Illinois screenshot below)
Details
A needed referral will be flagged in the database based on the scoring information on the assessment. This is used for performance measure reporting like MIECHV Form 2.
The answer to #10 can only be flagged as a referral needed if the long version is used. If the short version is used, a referral can still be documented.
In the Resource Connection / Referrals section,
- If your program has Mothers and Babies curriculum turned on (SETUP > PREFERENCES > PG/PVR), this can indicated and count as the referral.
- A referral record can be created for the assessment. "Mental Health Services" will be the default selection for the Referral Type field.
Illinois programs
The referral instructions for IL programs are different and based on the requirements from the Illinois state office.