The Infant Mental Health Framework focuses on social and emotional development during the first three years of life for an infant and their family. 
This includes a child’s ability to form relationships with other children and adults; to recognise and express emotions; and to explore and learn about their environment in a safe and happy way.
A growing body of evidence from the clinical and social science fields shows that the areas of the brain that control social and emotional development are most active during the first 3 years of a child’s life.
Careful nurturing of a child’s social and emotional health during their early years is vital to provide them with the skills necessary to form relationships and interact with society later in life.
However, developments start during pregnancy and the choices and experiences of the mother during this period can have a significant impact on maternal and infant social and emotional health.
The aim of this framework is to ensure that all children have the best start in life by prioritising and supporting families during pregnancy and in the first 3 years of life.
In particular the framework supports workforce and service development to ensure the optimum use of evidence-informed interventions with families with children aged 0-3 where there are significant developmental risks for the child.
In 2017/18
- 211 people attending Surestarts, Early Years settings and through ante-natal support programmes participated in the Mood Matters in Pregnancy Programme.
- 97% of the 211 parents reported improved understanding of mental health, signs and symptoms and skills to cope with difficulties.
- 9 staff undertook Video Interactive Training designed to support the use of hand held mobile filming techniques in work with families with children with attachment problems to support improvement in attachment relationships.
- 28 staff from various organisations undertook the 2 year Tavistock M9 Infant Mental Health Diploma or Tavistock M7 Early Years Diploma.
- 90% of the Infant Mental Health 2 year Diploma practitioners reported improved knowledge of Infant Mental Health and its determinants.
- 75% of the Infant Mental Health 2 year Diploma practitioners reported a decrease in need for referrals for specialist services as problems were being resolved.
- 90% of M9 Trainees reported being better equipped to respond to families where there were difficulties in the parent infant relationship.
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