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Executive Summary
Central to an infant mental health
(IMH) perspective is the belief that all children benefit from a sustained
primary relationship that is nurturing, supportive and protective. This
premise is supported by research and clinical experience and is often
referred to as parent-child bonding or, more correctly, an attachment
relationship. These theories provide the underpinnings for best practice
strategies for interventions with infants, toddlers, and families.
The focus is on the infant or toddler within
the context of the parent-child relationship. IMH interventions are
designed to support children and families within the context of relationships
and communities.
- IMH specialists establish working relationships
with parents to enhance and sustain more optimal relationships between
parents and children. The emphasis is on the use of the working relationship
to support emerging competencies in early parenthood and to reduce the
risks of dysfunction in infancy or significant developmental delays.
- IMH specialists help parents to envision more
satisfying, joyful relationships with their babies by observing and
discussing strengths and positive parent-infant interactions
as important components of the intervention.
- Services are comprehensive and intensive,
covering all domains, including concrete needs, problem solving skill,
and family relationships, as well as infant/toddler development, parent-infant
interactions, and early developing attachment relationships.
- Services are flexible and individualized
according to the reason(s) for referral, the identified needs of each
infant and/or parent, and the concerns expressed by parents about their
children and themselves.
- Services are provided in a way that is supportive,
affirming and strength-based and are specifically designed to
be nonintrusive, nonjudgemental, and respectful of the infant and family's
culture and ethnicity.
- IMH specialists are trained professionals
who use mental health strategies including reflective supervision.
- In siturations where a child's development
is in jeopardy due to significant parental mental health concerns, IMH
specialists provide a strong therapeutic presence and intensive clinical
support for the infant-parent relationship.
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