Online Program

Oral

The past four decades have witnessed an explosion of knowledge in the infant and early childhood mental health field. Not only has knowledge about infant mental health been integrated into education and training across disciplines, there has also been increased awareness and research on the influence of traumatic experiences on young children. Given new knowledge about the relationship between early childhood adverse experiences and adverse outcomes for children and adults, a multidisciplinary and cross-systems approach is needed that addresses research, early identification, treatment, and public policy. The presentations in this session will describe training, intervention, services, and public policy approaches that make a difference in the lives of young children and families. Innovative cross system collaborations that interface with child welfare services will be described. Important evidence-based training that builds expertise in providing evaluations and treatment for very young children and families from diverse backgrounds and the research that supports the evidence-based practice will be presented. New ways of integrating mental and behavioral health evaluations and services in primary care clinics will be discussed including positive results of this collaborative approach which involves meeting families where they are to make treatment much more accessible and acceptable. Public policy is a key component related to raising awareness and expanding knowledge. The presentations will include a discussion of ways to influence public policy, with public health implications, including building public-private partnerships that create change.

Session Objectives: Describe policy and practice issues concerning the well-being of young disadvantaged children Discuss ways to improve outcomes for young maltreated children involving systems and policy changes Describe ways to integrate behavioral health services in primary care settings to meet the needs of young children and their families.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)