Foundations of Infant Mental Health | The Centre

Foundations of Infant Mental Health provides practitioners with a comprehensive introduction to infant development, early relational health, and the factors shaping mental health from pregnancy to three years of age. The workshop explores typical developmental processes, attachment and neurobiology, early signs of emotional or behavioural difficulties, and the impacts of trauma, adversity, and caregiver wellbeing on infant development. Participants gain practical skills in observing infants and caregiver-infant interactions, recognising risk and protective factors, and understanding infant mental health presentations within family, cultural, and relational contexts.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Distinguish typical developmental and attachment patterns from atypical or concerning presentations.
• Identify risk factors that may compromise infant mental health across relational, developmental, and environmental domains.
• Describe how trauma and adversity influence early emotional, cognitive, and relational development.
• Understand the role and value of infant observation, including behavioural cues and early
  communication.
• Explain the core components of an infant mental health assessment, including assessment of
  the child, caregiver, and relationship.
• Identify appropriate interventions, services, and referral pathways to support infant wellbeing and caregiver capacity.